At the end of each week, the children were able to show off their learned magic tricks as well as participate in organized social activities.
Before the camp began and after its completion, the children completed self-esteem assessments.
The children and their parents were also “individually interviewed to explore their camp experience at the post-camp data point.”
The study’s finding concluded that “children with ADHD who participate in learning magic tricks may experience enhanced self-esteem; however, there are several factors integrated into the process of learning magic tricks that may contribute to the enhancement of the participants’ self-esteem.”
For example, the one-on-one interaction between the participants and instructors, praise, and the social group activities.
The study also noted that “Since simple magic tricks are not difficult to learn, health care providers and teachers can quickly learn some of these tricks and incorporate simple magic tricks and integrate them into the client’s program or student’s curriculum for psychosocial skills training in children with ADHD.”
In other words- even if you cannot find a magic program or club for your child- merely using simple magic tricks at the doctor, at school, or in your own home, can create a welcoming environment while encouraging your child to engage socially.