What to Do About A Child’s Attentional Disorder

Attention deficit disorders are well known to nearly everyone. But, as in many other similar cases the name of something often does not suggest the real problem or what the solution is. Some of us think that if we see unusual or difficult behavior giving it a name makes us feel better and will give us methods to provide solutions for it. Instead, sometimes giving something a name is like a brand that stays with us much longer than it should and even confuses the issue.

I will give an example. Today most people agree on the symptoms of attentional problems The most common include susceptibility to distractions, difficulty concentrating, failure to develop self regulation skills, difficulty focusing on learning tasks, interrupting others, failure to keep time, and mood swings or vulnerability to depression. Hyperactivity may or may not be a part of attentional problems. Now, having described the most common symptoms consider other parts of the issue.

There is more than one type of attentional problem. One kind is based on the idea that the brain works inefficiently (especially brain neuron synapses) and a certain type of medication (e.g. ritalin) stimulates the production of a neural transmitter (dopamine) that helps the brain be more efficient. Another kind of attentional problem is based on the idea that the brain works too slow and receives more stimulation than it can handle, like a bottle neck, and children lose attention to external conditions because they are working on what is going on inside their brains. Another view is that the brain is working too fast and does not have enough information to keep it going well.

There are other types and there is still controversy about what causes it. Some, for example, still think that food, especially food dyes and sugar may be the cause. Based on my reading of the research there is no established link between food and this problem. Research has consistently shown that it is likely inherited because it is shown in cognitive disorders that can be passed on to one generation after another.

I have learned there are a few things parents can do to help out. (1) Change your parenting approach to address the child’s emotions before trying to control his or her actions. Learn to speak calmly and teach the child to focus on feelings and talk about them. Children in this situation typically are very anxious and need help managing their anxieties. (2) Create a structured rule environment where children can succeed and make progress at self management. This might include firmly enforced rules about bed time, meal time, social behavior, and etc. (3) As children grow older help them understand their own tendencies so they can talk about them and develop strategies for success. Children typically are very willing to understand themselves. (4) Practice cognitive skills such as memory, concentration, following directions after hearing two or three at one time discriminating between things that look alike, delay of gratification, and visualizing their plans. For instance, put six small objects in front of the child, give him ten seconds to look at them, then ask him to close his eyes while you remove one object. Ask which one is missing. Or, put a piece of candy out in the open and tell the child he can have a cracker now or the piece of candy in a few minutes if he is willing to wait. (5) Find them and reward natural talents where children can succeed. Many children with attentional problems may have strong rhythm and coordination skills, creativity, or the ability to build and make things.(6) Use a variety of learning methods where school is concerned, especially methods that will permit “hands on” experiences. Use see, hear, and touch methods. (7) Use medication only as a short term plan while behavior becomes stabilized then remove the medication and practice cognitive skills. If more medication is needed then use on an alternating basis between practice and stability. (8) Help children learn an internalized measure of their value so they are less dependent on schools achievement or social success for their self esteem.

We seem to be faced with increasing numbers of children who are diagnosed as having an attentional disorder. In my opinion, we need to help them, but we should also not forget there are many ways to promote their success and there are many who have attentional problems who have found areas of great achievement.