According to the latest figures from Ameli (France’s national health insurance), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects around 5% of children, with a significant delay in diagnosis, which happens on average only at age 9-10[1]. Ideally, frontline medical professionals refer children under 6 to a Coordination and Referral Platform (PCO, the French system for early diagnosis) for care. After that, they initiate assessments, including a speech therapy assessment to analyse language and communication (but not only that…).
Speech therapy support for ADHD
ADHD with language and communication difficulties
When ADHD causes communication and language difficulties, turning to a speech therapist makes a lot of sense. This can show up as pronunciation difficulties, more frequent repetitions and pauses than average, or a limited vocabulary, sometimes with errors. On the communication spectrum, the child may struggle to find the right words, to organise their thoughts, or to understand due to a lack of concentration…
In these areas, speech therapy can help narrow the language-level gap, optimise communication skills and provide tools to manage daily difficulties…
Managing attention disorders
Speech therapy for attention disorders remains under-covered in the scientific literature. Yet this professional can offer specific exercises to improve the cognitive abilities of a child with ADHD. In the first sessions, they will assess the child’s skills to precisely determine their attentional capacities, their comprehension difficulties, and to map out the child’s specific needs.
Among the speech-therapy techniques available, they can work on attention stimulation through memory games (visual or auditory), as well as sorting and classification exercises. To organise thinking, they may use lists and break complex tasks down into smaller steps.
The role of the speech therapist at school and at home
The speech therapist can contribute to school accommodations
Speech therapist Brigitte Lourtis highlights the importance of overrating the strengths of a child with ADHD and downplaying their weaknesses. As part of multidisciplinary care, professionals will suggest school accommodations to better support the child at school.
For example, they may recommend reducing background noise by seating the child next to a calm classmate. They will also stress the importance of establishing a relatively close relationship with the teacher: ideally, a single signal should be enough between them for the teacher to be understood if the child slips up in terms of attention or behaviour, so the child doesn’t get a remark said out loud that could undermine their confidence. This can create a negative spiral that reduces their self-confidence, discourages them, and can eventually turn them away from learning.
The speech therapist can support parents facing ADHD
In caring for a child with ADHD, parental support is essential. The speech therapist can then give parents some advice on creating a supportive environment, by reducing distractions (limiting noise, turning off the television) and organising the workspace (quiet, tidy).
They can also support parents in setting up a clear routine, with regular times for homework, meals and bedtime. At the same time, they will encourage parents to highlight the child’s progress, even the smallest steps, to boost their motivation.
More broadly, the speech therapist can refer parents to a parental guidance programme to build a positive family dynamic. By adjusting their parenting practices, they can better manage their child’s disruptive behaviour.
[1] Figures: https://www.ameli.fr/medecin/sante-prevention/sante-mentale-soins-primaires/sante-mentale-4-ans-9-ans/trouble-deficit-attention-hyperactivite-tdah
