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Do Children with ADHD Often Show Difficulty Calming Down? 

Children with ADHD frequently experience challenges in calming down due to the nature of the condition, which often includes hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. These traits can make it harder for them to soothe themselves when feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. 

How It Helps 

The ADHD calming difficulty stems from the brain’s difficulty in regulating impulses and emotions. As a result, children with ADHD may become easily frustrated, anxious, or excited, making it difficult for them to return to a state of calm. This is particularly noticeable when they are in situations that require patience or when they experience a sudden shift in their routine. 

To help manage ADHD calming difficulty, caregivers and educators can implement soothing techniques that help children regulate their emotions. Simple activities such as deep breathing, quiet time in a calming environment, or using sensory tools like stress balls can be effective in aiding emotional self-regulation. 

Additionally, establishing a structured environment with clear expectations and routine can help children with ADHD calming difficulty by providing them with consistency and a sense of control. With practice, these children can learn to identify when they need a break or a calming strategy, enabling them to manage their emotions more effectively. 

By understanding the ADHD calming difficulty and implementing ADHD calming techniques, both parents and teachers can support children in managing their emotions, which can improve their overall well-being and behaviour. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.   

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Clinical interviews and History Taking.  

Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

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.