Movement Tools

Movement, heavy work, proprioception, balance, vestibular support, sensory input, and more are all words and terms used to describe methods of supporting our nervous systems. The root of all of these descriptors is movement as a support. We know that movement is supportive, supportive of focus and supportive of calming and regulating. Movement is such a wonderful and supportive tool to add to your ADHD toolbox.

I also want to share that these tools are not just for individuals with ADHD. They are also supportive for most humans. Individuals navigating Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety may find particular benefit.

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This article is a follow up to support my recent carousel on instagram @behaviourcoach. Follow me there for more frequent content and information. The purpose of this post is to share links to recommended movement tools. I want to preface by sharing that my links are affiliate links and Canadian, thank you for supporting my small business. I also want to reinforce that before making an online purchase I always recommend checking out facebook marketplace, so many of these items are frequently found second hand. Additionally, I personally have a balance board that was purchased from a local maker. If you have options in your community, try these options first! Finally, I do not want parents and individuals with ADHD to ever feel like they have to purchase any of my recommendations to effectively support ADHD. These are just tools that I love, none are requirements, if a purchase isn’t an option for you consider the action that these tools support and consider what you already have that could support that action in your environment.

Movement Tool Options

1. Balance Tools

Balance work supports ADHD in a number of ways. Regularly practicing balance work can support the cerebellum which is linked to improved ADHD symptoms. Additionally, actively balancing connects to proprioception (our sense of where we are in space). This helps to regulate our nervous system. Try tools that challenge your balance and keep them out and accessible!

🡺 Balance Board

🡺 Balance Board Trainer

🡺 Round Balance Board

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2. Swings

Swinging provides input to the vestibular system which can have a calming and regulating effect. Children and adults that struggle with sensory processing and that cope by stimming (repetitive movements) often find the input of a sensory swing to be an ideal option. If you don’t have the space for a sensory swing. Trips to the playground, aerial yoga classes, and backyard swing sets are other great options.

🡺 Sensory Swing

neilson mahoney adhd coaching
neilson mahoney adhd coaching

2. Swings

Swinging provides input to the vestibular system which can have a calming and regulating effect. Children and adults that struggle with sensory processing and that cope by stimming (repetitive movements) often find the input of a sensory swing to be an ideal option. If you don’t have the space for a sensory swing. Trips to the playground, aerial yoga classes, and backyard swing sets are other great options.

🡺 Sensory Swing

3. Jumping/Bouncing Tools

Jumping and bouncing are wonderful heavy work options. Heavy work connects to our sense of proprioception. The resistance input provided to the muscles creates feedback that helps to calm and regulate the sensory system.

🡺 Mini Trampoline

🡺 Bosu Ball

🡺 Yoga Ball

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4. Fidgets

Individuals with ADHD often naturally fidget or make small movements. Fidgets give these movements a purposeful outlet. This intentional sensory input can help to calm, regulate, and let go of distractions increasing focus on the task at hand.

🡺 Fidget Cube

🡺 ONO fidget

🡺 Pop it

neilson mahoney adhd coaching
neilson mahoney adhd coaching

4. Fidgets

Individuals with ADHD often naturally fidget or make small movements. Fidgets give these movements a purposeful outlet. This intentional sensory input can help to calm, regulate, and let go of distractions increasing focus on the task at hand.

🡺 Fidget Cube

🡺 ONO fidget

🡺 Pop it

5. Sitting Movement

Providing ways to add intentional sensory input or heavy work while seated can calm, regulate and increase focus for both children and adults. These are not just for young children in the classroom. Consider your home office for adults and homework space for teens.

🡺 Wobble Seat

🡺 Chair Bands

🡺 Wobble chair

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