ADHD in Athletes

 

ADHD exists in higher rates in some athlete populations than in the general population. There are probably a number of reasons for this, including that ADHD symptoms can actually be assets in certain sports.  On the other hand, ADHD can sometimes interfere with sports participation.   

Tips for parents and coaches 

Tips to consider in helping someone with ADHD to become involved in sports include:     

Benefits of sports.  Sports participation for children with ADHD may result in the success and positive reinforcement that initially may be lacking in the school environment.  This can give children the confidence to work hard and succeed in the classroom too.  ADHD might be an advantage in sports in which several things are happening all at once.  People with ADHD tend to be energetic and spontaneous, which also can be helpful in some sports. 

Talking to a coach.  It can be difficult for parents to decide if they should tell their child’s coach that he/she has ADHD.  Parents should consider the skills required in a given sport, what they have observed in backyard games, and characteristics of the coach. If parents do decide to tell their child’s coach about his/her ADHD, they should explain the situation rather than just giving the label.  For example, “Johnny has ADHD, which means that he has lots of energy and enthusiasm that can be helpful in sports, but it also means he has a harder time paying attention and ignoring distractions than other kids his age.” 

Coaching tips.  ADHD can interfere with an athlete’s ability focus on, or to remember, coaching instruction. Thus, athletes with ADHD may benefit from specific coaching techniques:  multi-sensory directions, clear and consistent instructions, eye contact, repetition and clarification, only one correction at a time, positive reinforcement, consistent consequences for negative behavior, and patience. 

Plan ahead and practice.  Parents can practice strategies with their children at home.  For example, they can practice how to handle distractions and performance frustrations. 

ADHD Medications. Stimulants used to treat ADHD, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), are considered performance-enhancing and are banned in college and professional sports.  However, upper-level athletes with ADHD can sometimes get a “therapeutic use exemption” from their physician that allows them to compete while using the ADHD medication.  There also are non-stimulant medications that can be used to treat ADHD and that are not banned. 

For more information: 

- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry  -
   Facts for Families:  Children and Sports

- American Academy of Pediatrics

- NCAA policy on medications

- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder  (CHADD)