What role does play have in executive function development?

PostedOctober 1, 2025

UpdatedOctober 6, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Play and executive function ADHD are deeply connected. Play gives children the chance to practise thinking ahead, managing impulses, and solving problems. For children with ADHD, these moments of structured and unstructured play are more than fun, they’re essential for brain development.

Through play and executive function ADHD, kids can strengthen their focus, emotional control, and working memory. The process is natural and enjoyable, making it a perfect fit for learning in both school and home environments.

How It Helps

Imaginative play

Pretend games help children develop flexible thinking and empathy. They learn to shift perspectives, follow storylines, and manage changing roles, all crucial in child development ADHD.

Turn-taking games

Board games and group activities support impulse control and patience. These moments teach delayed gratification and self-monitoring, central to the role of play executive function.

Physical games

Activities like tag, obstacle courses, or Simon Says engage the body and brain together. Movement-based play helps children practise focus and listening, key skills in play-based learning ADHD.

Creative expression

Drawing, building, and storytelling allow children to explore and plan without pressure. These activities promote attention, sequencing, and emotional awareness.

Incorporating play and executive function ADHD practices into daily life encourages growth through joy. It helps children develop skills that support both learning and relationships in the long run.

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 Executive Function Deficits.

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

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.