BY SUSANNA PINKUS
This is a topic I am asked about a lot. So here are some thoughts and tips:
1. There can be many reasons why a young person is struggling with their attention and focus. This is why it is so important to look holistically to understand what the young person is experiencin
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may or may not be the reason a young person is struggling at school. Or it may be only part of the reason.
3. Your child does not need a formal diagnosis of ADHD to be helped.
4. Even if your child does have ADHD, the first response should usually be adjustments and supports to help them. In partnership with your child’s school these can be actioned straight away.
5. Although your child can focus on matters of interest, this does not mean they do not have any issues with focus and attention.
6. Attention issues can be obvious – hyperactive, physically restless, impulsive for example – but they can also be subtle – day dreamy and zoning out for example.
7. Attention issues for girls are often less visible, and are therefore more commonly missed.
8. Before seeking a formal ADHD assessment, do seek detailed feedback from your child’s school to find out if attention and focus are observed in lessons, and if so where and when.
9. If your child tells you that they are struggling with their focus in school, believe them and take steps to understand better why this might be. Is there a trusted adult who your child would feel comfortable exploring this with.
10. Don’t wait to seek guidance and support. This is especially true if your child is in senior school and soon to take public examinations. Any adjustments would need to be their usual way of working and earlier is better in terms of working out what supports they might need.
