ADHD Therapy for Kids in San Jose, CA

We start by really getting to know your child, not just their diagnosis, but how ADHD shows up in their specific life. We talk with you about what’s hardest: Is it getting out the door in the morning? Friendships at recess? Homework time? Emotional meltdowns?

We gather input from teachers (with your permission) to understand classroom challenges. We observe patterns: Does your child struggle more with focus, impulse control, organization, or emotional regulation? Do they shut down when frustrated or explode?

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all assessment. Some kids with ADHD are the “class clown” who can’t sit still. Others are quiet daydreamers who seem to be listening but miss everything. We tailor our approach to your child’s specific needs, personality, and strengths.

Executive function, the brain’s ability to plan, organize, start tasks, and follow through, is often the biggest challenge for kids with ADHD. We teach these skills in ways that make sense for young children.

We work on:

• Task initiation: How to start homework instead of avoiding it for an hour
• Organization: Systems for tracking assignments, finding materials, packing backpacks
• Time awareness: Using timers, breaking tasks into chunks, understanding “5 more minutes”
• Working memory: Strategies for remembering multi-step directions
• Planning ahead: Thinking through what they’ll need before leaving for school

These aren’t abstract concepts. We practice them together, create visual tools your child can use independently, and adjust strategies until they stick. When a system doesn’t work, we troubleshoot it, no shame, just problem-solving.

Kids with ADHD often feel emotions intensely and react quickly. A small frustration becomes a full meltdown. A minor disappointment ruins the whole day. We teach concrete skills for managing these big feelings.

Our approach includes:

• Recognizing body cues that signal rising frustration (tight chest, clenched fists, hot face)
• “Pause and plan” strategies to create space between feeling and reacting
• Calming techniques that work in the moment: deep breathing, counting, movement breaks
• Problem-solving skills for when things don’t go as planned
• Building frustration tolerance gradually through practice

We also use mindfulness and sensory strategies. Some kids need to move to focus, that’s okay. We help identify what your child needs: a fidget tool, a movement break, a quiet corner, or a visual reminder to take three deep breaths.

The goal isn’t to eliminate big feelings, it’s to help your child manage them without getting stuck or losing control.

Behavior plans get a bad reputation, but when done right, they’re incredibly effective for kids with ADHD. We create systems that set your child up for success, not just consequences when things go wrong.

We help you implement:

• Clear, specific expectations (not “behave” but “keep your bottom on the chair during dinner”)
• Visual schedules for morning, homework, and bedtime routines
• Reward systems that motivate without becoming bribes
• Natural consequences that teach without shaming
• “Start-up” rituals that make hard tasks less daunting

We also work on catching positive behaviors. Kids with ADHD hear “no,” “stop,” and “not now” constantly. We help you build in moments of genuine praise and encouragement so your child doesn’t start to believe they’re always messing up.

You’re with your child far more than we are. For therapy to work, you need strategies that fit your real life, not perfect theoretical scenarios.

We coach you on:

• Giving instructions your child can actually follow (short, specific, one at a time)
• Responding to behaviors in ways that reduce power struggles
• Setting up your home environment to minimize distractions and maximize success
• Creating consistent routines that reduce daily battles
• Knowing when to hold firm and when flexibility helps more
• Taking care of yourself so you’re not running on empty

Many San Jose families benefit from simple environmental changes: a homework station away from screens, a visual morning checklist by the door, or a calm-down corner with sensory tools. Small shifts can make huge differences.

San Jose Unified and surrounding districts offer supports like IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 plans, but navigating the system can feel overwhelming. We help you understand your child’s rights and advocate effectively.

We can:

• Collaborate with teachers (with your permission) to align strategies
• Help you prepare for IEP or 504 meetings
• Suggest classroom accommodations: preferential seating, movement breaks, extended time, chunked assignments
• Track progress using both our observations and teacher feedback
• Adjust our approach based on what’s working at school

We also address homework, often the biggest daily battle. We teach your child strategies for getting started, staying focused, and asking for help. We help you set boundaries so homework doesn’t consume your entire evening or damage your relationship.

The goal is for your child to feel successful at school, not just survive it. When kids with ADHD experience academic wins, finishing an assignment independently, remembering their materials, or getting positive teacher feedback, their confidence grows exponentially.

ADHD can make friendships tricky. Kids might interrupt, dominate conversations, have trouble reading social cues, or struggle with turn-taking. Rejection from peers hurts deeply, and over time, some kids stop trying.

We work on social skills in age-appropriate ways:

• Reading body language and facial expressions
• Waiting for a turn to talk
• Sharing and cooperating during games
• Handling losing or not getting their way
• Apologizing and repairing friendships after conflicts
• Recognizing when others need space

For San Jose families, this might mean practicing skills before playdates at Discovery Meadow, preparing for birthday parties, or navigating group projects at school. We role-play scenarios, discuss what went well, and problem-solve challenges.

We also help your child recognize their strengths. Many kids with ADHD are creative, energetic, funny, and enthusiastic, qualities that, when channeled well, make them wonderful friends.