When your child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, it can sometimes feel like you're riding a rollercoaster blindfolded – you don’t know when the next turn or drop might be.
You remind them (again) to turn the lights off, and for a moment, you think they heard you.. Until you realize their mind was already somewhere else.
ADHD children have difficulties sustaining mental work. They easily lose things, leave their room cluttered, and often jump to another task without finishing the previous. It can feel frustrating – like they just don’t care – but what’s really happening is their brain is working differently.
If they are overwhelmed with the emotions they can’t quite manage, I’m sure you are too!
But here's good news – helping your ADHD child build attention and executive functioning skills doesn’t have to feel like another chore. In fact, one of the best ways to develop these brain skills is through PLAY!
Why Games Help ADHD Kids Build Executive Functioning Skills
Executive functioning is one of those things we don’t usually think about – until we see our child struggling with it every single day. Following directions, staying focused, managing big emotions, handling consecutive tasks without going into a meltdown… these are all things that fall under executive functioning. When your child has ADHD, these skills just don’t come easily.
Playing games is a low-pressure, joyful way for your child to work on focus, patience, memory, emotional regulation, and other executive functioning skills without even realizing they’re doing it.
When your child is engaged in the right kind of play, they’re not just having fun – they’re practicing how to manage their impulses, follow steps, and shift their attention … all while feeling successful.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Games for Kids with ADHD
Before we delve into the top 10 games for kids with ADHD, it's essential to consider a few factors when selecting games for your child. These are:
- Age-appropriateness: Ensure the game is suitable for your child's age and developmental stage.
- Simplicity: Games with straightforward rules are often better for kids with ADHD.
- Physical activity: Active games can help burn excess energy and improve focus.
- Social interaction: Some games promote teamwork and communication skills.
- Cognitive engagement: Look for games that challenge the brain and require problem-solving.
- Interest level: Choose games that align with your child's interests and passions.
Best Types of Games for Kids with ADHD
An ADHD brain is a dysregulated brain. When you help train it to regulate itself through various science-backed solutions, it can give long-term positive results and make a world of difference for your ADHD kid.
Strategy and Thinking Games
Games that challenge children to think strategically are amazing for developing their planning and problem-solving abilities.
These kinds of activities require patience, logic, recognizing patterns, and thinking a few steps ahead – all of which are key parts of executive functioning.
If your child struggles with impulsivity or jumping into tasks without a plan, these games can help them slow down and approach things more thoughtfully:.
- Chess – helps them learn to think ahead and anticipate future moves, make careful decisions, and manage frustrations when things don’t go as planned.
- Checkers – a great introduction to strategy and understanding the effects of their actions.
- Connect Four – promotes pattern identification and strategic planning through its quick and enjoyable gameplay.
- Rubik’s Cube – develops understanding of spatial relationships and teaches them to keep trying.
Focus and Attention Games
ADHD kids often struggle with focus, memory, and following sequences which can make everything from homework to getting out the door feel like a daily battle. These types of games are simple, fun, and sneak in the kind of cognitive training that really helps with attention and concentration.
- Simon – great for building memory and sequencing in a fun, laugh-filled way.
- Jenga – helps kids slow down, train them to assess, and practice self-control.
- Puzzles – strengthen attention to detail and persistence.
- Memory Match Cards – excellent for focus and exercising short-term memory.
Physical Movement Games
Movement isn’t just good for burning off energy – it also activates the brain in ways that improve focus, flexibility, and emotional regulation. They have been shown to improve mental health, which has led to getting exercise as part of an effective mental health treatment plan (Lufi & Parish-Plass, 2011).
- Twister – encourages body awareness, focus (to balance), and flexibility
- DIY Obstacle Courses
- Dance Video Games like Just Dance or Wii Fit – teaches kids to combine rhythm, movement, and focus
Video Games with Cognitive Benefits
When used with intention, certain video games can actually support skills like spatial reasoning, working memory, and flexible thinking.
- Minecraft in creative mode – encourage planning, problem solving, and creativity
- Osmo Games – these hands-on, interactive tools combine tech with real-world learning – great for attention and focus.
- Brain games like Peak or Lumosity- offer short, targeted activities to strengthen your child’s memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility.
And did you know there’s an FDA-approved video game for ADHD treatment? It’s designed specifically to improve attention in children (Canady, 2020).
Everyday Play Can Be Brain Fuel, Too
Not every brain boosting activity comes in a shiny box or an app. Some of the most powerful learning happens during simple, everyday games that kids already love to play.
- Pretend Play and Role-Playing Games – encourages imagination and emotional expression.
- LEGOs – boosts planning, spatial awareness, and persistence (great for quiet, focused time, too).
- Scavenger Hunts – build memory, sequencing, and attention in a movement-based way.
- Family Board Game Nights – brings everyone together while teaching kids to take turns, develop strategies and strengthen focus.
A study shows that the children who were made to play board games as a form of brain training exhibited improvement in their linguistic short-term memory and conduct problems after intervention (Estrada-Plana et al., 2019).
In the realm of role-playing, sketch comedy, and improv games, these activities focus on communication and social interaction. These games can help your child foster valuable skills in understanding and navigating social situations (Amador, 2018).
Tip to Maximize the Potential of Games as Brain Boosters
Raising a child with ADHD comes with its unique set of challenges, but it also brings endless opportunities for growth, development, and joy. In order to get the most out of every games, here’s what you can do:
- Keep the vibe playful. Avoid turning the game into a lesson.
- Join the fun. Model self-regulation and strategic thinking.
- Be consistent. Predictable playtimes help build routines.
- Praise progress. Focus on effort and strategy, not just winning.
Remember, every child is unique. So don't be discouraged if some games work better than others. The key is to keep trying and, most importantly, to create an environment filled with empathy, understanding, and love.
Explore The BrainBehaviorReset™ Program
If you’ve been trying to figure out why your child isn’t progressing or you want to speed up their healing, you can check out our clinic’s BrainBehaviorResetTM Program – a comprehensive approach to developing your ADHD child’s executive functioning skills.
Designed specifically for kids with ADHD and other mental health issues, this program incorporates a carefully curated selection of science-backed natural solutions that target various cognitive functions. It provides your child with the tools that can help them develop essential skills in a positive way.
In our BrainBehaviorReset™ Program, your child undergoes a series of neurofeedback therapy sessions, all personalized to meet your child’s condition and pace. While at it, we also teach them practical, real-life strategies that they can apply immediately to their daily routines.
At our clinic, we also emphasize the importance of having a supportive and nurturing environment at home, which is why we provide parent coaching sessions to parents/guardians or families.
When we train the brain to regulate naturally, we are building a strong foundation for your child which can make them more confident and independent, and break free from the challenges of having ADHD.
Parent Action Steps
Are video games bad for kids with ADHD?
Some video games can help kids with ADHD strengthen focus, solve problems, and plan. As long as you use them intentionally, which means that you also set time limits and. Be careful though as not all video games are helpful, so it is important to do your research and choose wisely.
Does gaming affect ADHD?
Gaming can affect the ADHD brain – it can either improve or make symptoms worse, depending on the game and how it is used.
Do people with ADHD struggle to play games?
Children with ADHD can find it difficult to play games, especially those that involve a lot of patience, following rules, and delayed rewards. To make it easier for them, you can find games that match their interests and skill level, and of course, enjoyable for them. If they are having fun and are happy with the activity, games can help improve their executive functioning skills.
What are executive functions in the brain?
Executive functioning is how the brain helps your child stay focused, manage emotions, get things done, and adapt when plans change. When these skills are strong, your child can then follow your directions, stay organized, and tackle challenges more easily.
How to improve executive function in ADHD besides playing games?
Beyond play, executive functioning can improve through structured routines, visual schedules, brain-based therapies, and consistent behavioral support.
Citations
Amador, S. (2018). Teaching Social Skills Through Sketch Comedy And Improv Games: A Social Theatre Approach for Kids and Teens Including Those with ASD, ADHD, and Anxiety.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers.Canady, V. A. (2020). FDA approves first video game Rx treatment for children with ADHD. Mental Health Weekly, 30(26), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.32423
Estrada-Plana, V., Esquerda, M., Mangues, R., March-Llanes, J., & Moya-Higueras, J. (2019). A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Cognitive Training Based on Board Games in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Games for Health Journal, 8(4), 265–274. https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2018.0051
Lufi, D., & Parish-Plass, J. (2011). Sport-Based Group Therapy Program for Boys with ADHD or with Other Behavioral Disorders. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 33(3), 217–230. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317107.2011.596000
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including, CBS, NBC, FOX News, PIX11 NYC, The New York Times, The Washington Post,, Business Insider, USA Today, CNET, Marth Stewart, and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Medicine Mental Health Provider (CMHIMP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) and The Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB).
© Roseann-Capanna-Hodge, LLC 2023
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
