Otto’s Busy Brain Cards: ADHD Conversation, Movement & Focus Cards for Kids (Printable PDF)

Meet Otto the Otter. He’s kind, curious and full of ideas, and he has ADHD. These printable cards give children simple, friendly words and ideas for the moments when focus, waiting or remembering feels hard.

What’s inside (9-page printable PDF)

• Otto Says: 8 cards for children to show what they need (“I need a moment to think”, “Can you say that again?”, “I’m listening. I just need to wiggle.”)
• Friends Can Say: 8 kind phrases for friends, family and teachers to try
• Movement Breaks: 8 quiet, body-based break cards (wall push, swimmy arms, slow river breath and more)
• What Helps Otto: 8 strategy cards (start small, use a timer, tick it off, and more)
• Meet Otto character page
• My Busy Brain Profile: a fill-in page for children to describe themselves
• Grown-up guide with tips for home and school

Why families and teachers like it

• Short, literal, calm wording with no sensory overload
• Plain pastel layouts that print clearly
• One consistent character children can come to know across cards
• Cards can be shown instead of spoken, which helps when words are hard

Great for

Home, calm corners, small groups, tutoring and support sessions. Ages 4 to 9.

How to use it

Print on A4 at 100%, cut along the dashed lines and laminate if you like. For US Letter, choose “fit to page.” Start with one set for a week rather than all at once.

Licence

One licence covers one family, or one teacher or practitioner using the pack with their own children, class or group. Please don’t share the files, resell them or post them online. Colleagues are welcome to buy their own copy.

Please note

Otto is a character, and every child with ADHD is different. These cards are a supportive tool, not medical or clinical advice.