Beginning Our Occupational Therapy Journey

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Our family has been working through the ADHD and ODD journey for a while, and we finally reached a new chapter. Our son recently started Occupational Therapy, and even though it is early, it already feels like we are moving in a better direction. I wanted to share our experience in case it helps another family who is feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

For months we felt like we were doing everything we could, but we were not making the progress we hoped for. We did behavioral therapy for eight to ten months, yet most of the tools and guidance that have helped us the most have come from the past two or three weeks of Occupational Therapy sessions. It is not perfect and we still struggle regularly, but I can finally see a small light at the end of the tunnel.

Our First Main Focus

Our son struggles the most with emotional regulation, so that is our primary goal. He sees two Occupational Therapy providers on different days of the week. The good news is that he enjoys both of them. He responds well, listens, participates, and cooperates. We share our concerns honestly, and they work with us without judgment. They want to help our son and help us as parents, and that support alone makes a huge difference.

As someone who worked in childcare and preschool rooms for about eight years, I know how differently young minds work. I also know how hard it can be for children to show their emotions correctly. Even with that background, navigating it with your own child is a whole different experience.

Our Red Zone Tool Box

One of the first tools we created with Occupational Therapy is the Red Zone Tool Box. It is tailored to HIS wants/needs. Our son helped pick each item that goes inside it. Each tool is something he can do quietly, quickly, and independently when he is in the red zone, which for him means angry or extremely overwhelmed.

The process works like this. We give him three tool choices, and he picks the one he wants to use. The goal is to help him slowly learn to recognize how he feels, understand why he feels that way, and then choose a calm strategy on his own without needing a visual guide. Some tools are for when he has time, and others work when we are leaving the house or changing tasks. Everything is designed to help him move from the red zone back to the green zone at a pace that works for him.

Cotton Ball Mazes and Breathing Practice

Another thing we worked on is deep breathing, which is a common grounding tool for kids who get overwhelmed or anxious. Breathing exercises did not interest him at first, so his Occupational Therapy provider turned it into a game using cotton ball mazes. She cut a piece of a cardboard box, added tape to create a maze, and marked a start and finish point. He used a straw to blow a cotton ball through the maze. If it rolled off the track, he simply placed it back where it left and continued.

He loved the activity, so at home we made three more versions using cardboard, Sharpie markers, and washi tape. His siblings even joined to play. It is simple, low cost, and fun, but also teaches breath control and patience without him realizing that it is an emotional regulation skill.

Sensory Toys and Fidgets

Another helpful part of our journey has been exploring sensory toys and fidgets. I shared a full blog about the items we use, and they continue to support our son during moments when he needs something calming for his hands or extra sensory input. These tools give him something simple and soothing to focus on when he feels overwhelmed. They also help him reset during transitions or after a difficult moment. Using these along with our Occupational Therapy tools has created a more complete support system for him at home.

Weeks Ahead

These tools are new, so we are still figuring out what works best. But I am hopeful. I am excited to help our boy grow, understand himself, and learn ways to feel calm and confident. Every child is different, and every path looks different, but I hope sharing our experience helps anyone who is going through something similar. You are not alone, and progress can come from the smallest steps.

FAQ: Beginning Our Occupational Therapy Journey

What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological condition that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. Children may have trouble staying focused, regulating energy, or managing emotions.

What is ODD?
ODD is a behavioral condition marked by strong emotions, difficulty with authority, and challenges handling frustration. It often appears with ADHD, making emotional regulation even harder.

Why did we start Occupational Therapy?
Our son struggles with emotional regulation, and Occupational Therapy gives us tools and strategies that help him understand and manage his feelings in healthier ways.

What tools are we using at home?
We use a red zone tool box filled with calming choices that our son selected himself. We also created cotton ball mazes to practice breath control in a fun and engaging way.

How often does he attend Occupational Therapy?
He sees two Occupational Therapy providers each week on different days, and he responds well to both.

Is progress immediate?
No. We still have hard days, but the structure, tools, and guidance from Occupational Therapy make a noticeable difference. Small wins matter.

What is our main goal right now?
Our primary goal is supporting his emotional regulation so he can understand how he feels and choose calm strategies independently.