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Should ADHD Students Receive Emotional Breaks? 

ADHD emotional breaks can be incredibly beneficial for students who struggle with emotional regulation. Children with ADHD often experience sensory overload, frustration, and difficulty maintaining focus, making classroom accommodations like emotional breaks essential for their success. 

These breaks provide students with a chance to reset, manage their emotions, and return to class with a calmer, more focused mindset. Incorporating self-regulation strategies during breaks, such as mindfulness breaks or physical activity, helps students gain better control over their emotions. 

Benefits of Emotional Breaks for ADHD Students 

Following are some benefits of emotional breaks for ADHD students; 

Emotional breaks  

These give students a moment to step away from overstimulating situations, reducing the risk of emotional outbursts or impulsive reactions. By providing structured times for students to engage in relaxation techniques or brief physical activities, schools can prevent frustration from escalating and improve classroom behaviour. 

Mindfulness breaks  

These are especially useful for promoting emotional calmness. Teaching students breathing exercises or guiding them through short mindfulness activities helps them practice self-regulation, improving their ability to manage stress and focus when they return to learning. 

In conclusion, allowing ADHD students to take ADHD emotional breaks is an effective way to support their mental well-being and academic performance.  

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Emotional Regulation in ADHD.  

Avery Lombardi, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.