The Challenges of ADHD

ADHD kids can focus on things of great interest but not much else.

John has just been diagnosed as ADHD. He has always had difficulty following directions, sitting still and completing projects.  He can focus on things of great interest but not much else. At school he is forgetful, bored, easily distracted and makes many careless mistakes. He loves recess and sports. At home John is disorganized and argues with his parents when it’s time to do his homework, which takes way too long. He loves computers and playing action video games. He has always been a restless sleeper and had trouble getting himself ready for school. 

Why is paying attention so important?

The ability to focus and stay focused is the basis for learning. Attention deficits have the strongest impact on a child’s future academic success. Attention problems in kindergarten predict poor performance in math and reading.  Research shows that an early investment in attention pays off big time later on. While attention skills can be trained and even a high school student or adult can improve attention, early intervention saves time, money and worry. The Ability To Focus is the Basis For Learning

Why do ADHD kids need good self-regulation skills?

Self regulation is “your child’s ability to regulate emotions and persist with goals in the face of distractions.” Posner, 2009. 

If your child can consistently inhibit negative responses and re-direct himself when conflict or negative emotions arise, then he probably has good control skills.

Children with poor self-regulation skills do not handle conflict or follow rules very well. Self-regulation in pre-school is an important predictor of success in kindergarten. Poor self-regulation skills in elementary, middle and high school are related to lower grades and more social, behavior and emotional problems. Inadequate Self-Regulation: Stumbling Block to Success