Attention difficulties and ADHD in children
When should parents seek advice?
Parents or teachers may notice that a child is highly distracted, dreamy, restless or impulsive, or has difficulty completing a task. The child may forget their belongings, leave their seat frequently in class, interrupt others or achieve school results that do not reflect their abilities.
These difficulties can also affect relationships, self-confidence and the child’s overall well-being.
Does this necessarily mean ADHD?
No. Attention difficulties can have many causes, including anxiety, stress, learning disorders, dyslexia, emotional difficulties, insufficient sleep or a particular cognitive profile.
A comprehensive assessment is therefore important before a diagnosis is made.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that may involve three types of difficulty:
- Inattention: difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, distractibility and a tendency to daydream or lose track of what is happening.
- Hyperactivity: a strong need to move and difficulty remaining seated or calm when the situation requires it.
- Impulsivity: difficulty waiting for a turn, interrupting others or acting and answering too quickly.
For ADHD to be considered, the difficulties must be persistent, have begun in childhood, be present in more than one setting, particularly at home and at school, and have a significant effect on everyday functioning.
What does the assessment involve?
An ADHD diagnosis is never based on a single test. The assessment may include:
- interviews with the parents and child;
- questionnaires completed by parents and teachers, such as the Conners scales;
- a cognitive assessment;
- specific tests of attention and executive functioning;
- consideration of possible learning or emotional difficulties.
Neuropsychological tools may assess areas such as sustained attention, selective attention, inhibition and cognitive flexibility.
What support may be recommended?
Depending on the child’s needs, support may include psychoeducation, parental guidance, psychotherapy, behavioural strategies, school accommodations, cognitive remediation or intervention for associated learning difficulties.
Where indicated, a specialist medical consultation may also be recommended to discuss possible medication. IMC Children’s Clinic Singapore has paediatricians who can provide this medical advice.
The primary goal is to help the child and family understand the child’s profile, recognise their strengths and put suitable strategies in place for everyday life.