Does this sound like your child?
You’ve read the books. You’ve tried the sticker charts. But nothing seems to help. No matter what you do, your child simply can't focus the way other children their age can.
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It’s not just “high energy.” Kids and teens with ADHD often struggle with:​
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Big feelings and emotional outbursts
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Constant movement, even when it's not the right time
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Trouble focusing, even when they want to
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Executive functioning such as task initiation and decision making
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Difficulty following directions at home or school
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Being easily frustrated
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Meltdowns that seem to come out of nowhere
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Feeling misunderstood, “too much,” or “lazy”
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These challenges are rooted in areas like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, not in laziness or defiance.
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Many children and teens with ADHD also have incredible creativity, sensitivity, and compassion, but their strengths can get buried under shame and discipline because the world isn't set up to support their unique brains.
Whether your child is bouncing off the walls, shutting down emotionally, or constantly in trouble at school, ADHD can leave families feeling stuck. You’re not a “bad parent.” Your child isn’t “just difficult.” They need support that’s grounded in neuroscience and built around how they process the world.
At PlayWorks, We Help Kids and Teens With ADHD Thrive
People with ADHD "hyper-focus" on tasks that give them dopamine (ex: video games). Therapy teaches how to apply that skill to other settings, like school work or talking with friends!
At PlayWorks, therapy is tailored for neurodiverse minds. We use developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed approaches to help kids and teens with ADHD:
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Build coping strategies that actually stick​
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Improve frustration tolerance and problem-solving
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​Strengthen social skills and reduce peer conflict​
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Learn self-regulation techniques through play​
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Rebuild self-esteem and reduce shame
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No long lectures. No judgment. Just real tools for real kids!
“Play therapy significantly improves ADHD symptoms in children, particularly impulsivity, aggression, and emotional dysregulation.”
- From a 2001 meta-analysis of over 90 play therapy studies (Ray, Bratton, Rhine, & Jones)
Why is Play Based Therapy So Effective for ADHD?
Kids with ADHD aren’t lazy, their brains are wired differently. Because their brains don’t make enough of certain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, things like focus, motivation, and memory can be a real struggle. It’s not a choice or a behavior problem; It’s a brain difference.
Because play is the language of children. It helps kids explore difficult emotions, practice flexible thinking, and strengthen the same brain regions affected by ADHD, including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system (Stewart & Field, 2016). When kids feel safe and engaged, their brains are more open to learning skills like:
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Calming big emotions before they spiral
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Building frustration tolerance
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Thinking through consequences before reacting
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Noticing body signals and practicing self-control
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Managing frustration in a healthy way
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Strengthening social and communication skills
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Supporting empathy and perspective taking
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Rebuilding self-esteem and self-trust
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Why Wilmington Parents Choose PlayWorks
for ADHD Support
We’re neuroscience-informed
Our therapists stay up to date with the latest brain research and use it to guide interventions that actually work for ADHD brains.
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We make therapy playful and effective
From puppet shows to Pokémon, every session is tailored to your child’s age, interests, and needs, so they feel engaged, not embarrassed.
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We support YOU too
We offer parent check-ins, progress feedback, and practical strategies you can use at home (without adding to your plate).
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We honor the whole child
We don’t just reduce “symptoms”, we support emotional growth, identity development, and resilience for a lifetime.
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We’re inclusive and affirming
Our therapists are trained in LGBTQ+ affirming care, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
You’re Not Alone & It’s Not Too Late
We know that parenting a child with ADHD can feel exhausting. We also know that therapy can feel like just one more thing. But at PlayWorks, therapy is kid-first, family-focused, and actually fun; Plus, it works!
Together, we'll help your child build confidence, calm, and the skills to thrive at home, school, and in life.
We’re located in Wilmington, NC and work with children, teens, and families across the Cape Fear region. Schedule your free 20-minute parent consult or start the intake process here.