It is perfectly normal for children to have difficulty focusing their attention. As they get older, they become better able to concentrate on tasks for a longer period of time, detect the relevant information and ignore the unnecessary. However, some children have serious attention problems.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common developmental disorder. It is diagnosed in childhood but usually continues into adulthood. It occurs more often in boys than in girls. Half of the children whose parents seek help from psychological centers have problems related to ADHD.
This problem is mainly divided into two - attention problems and hyperactivity problems.
The most common attention symptoms are:
- Often fails to focus on details and makes mistakes due to inattention.
- Often doesn't listen to what is being said to them.
- Often fails to follow instruction and complete school work.
- Often has problems with organizing different tasks.
- Often avoids tasks that require a constant stream of attention.
- Often loses things important for certain tasks - homework sheets, pencils, books, toys.
- Often forges and is easily distracted by external stimuli.
The most common hyperactivity symptoms are:
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate.
- Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly.
In addition, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are often impulsive. Most common symptoms of impulsivity:
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
- Often has difficulty waiting his or her turn, interrupts or intrudes on others.
- Often talks excessively.
What are the causes of ADHD?
Scientists are trying to determine the causes and risk factors for ADHD in order to prevent this common problem. Although it is difficult to establish specific causes, there is some evidence of a genetic predisposition to this problem. Some of the risk factors mentioned in research are:
- Brain injury
- Use of alcohol or cigarettes during pregnancy
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
Research does not support the popular belief that ADHD is caused by too much sugar, too much television viewing, or social factors such as poverty or family problems. Of course, these factors can exacerbate symptoms, but there is not enough evidence that they can lead to ADHD.
Children with ADHD often have difficulty relating to their peers. They may be rejected or ignored by others. They often have unrealistically high or very low self-esteem. They face difficulties both at school and at home or with friends. An interesting fact is that children with ADHD have no problem focusing when playing video games. On the contrary! They can play for hours without getting distracted.
Recently, many children who are more active or have difficulty adjusting to a school environment are labeled with ADHD.
If you have doubts or concerns that your child may have problems with attention or activity, it is best to seek the advice of a specialist - a child psychologist and psychotherapist who can assess the child and suggest appropriate support programs.