A lot of children have trouble paying attention and staying on task in school. ADHD is often the first explanation given for academic problems, whether the problems are listening to directions, organizing tasks or hyper or disruptive behavior. These are all characteristics of ADHD, but they are also signs of other problems at times. For example, if a child has stress in their school or home life, the trouble focusing may be better explained as a reaction to those problems than ADHD. Many times, the distractibility and disorganization go away if the stress is removed, or if the child learns to work toward their own way of being resilient in difficulty.

Problems focusing can also be symptomatic of anxiety, depression or another mood disorder. ADHD is driven by problems with impulse control, which most children are  still developing. A diagnosis of ADHD may not be warranted in all cases. The best thing to do to if a child is having these problems is have them see a licensed counselor or therapist experienced diagnosing and treating these sorts of issues in children. Below are some things that may indicate ADHD or some other problem which needs to be addressed:

The child:

• Often fails to complete tasks or to pay attention to detail
• Stares blankly when you are talking to him or her
• Repeatedly loses or forgets things
• Is often messy and disorganized
• Loses their train of thought
• Can’t sit still
• Climbs and runs in the doctor’s office or other places he or she is expected to be calm
• Interrupts or has trouble waiting his or her turn
• Talks or moves incessantly

Again, the best thing to do if these are recurrent problems with your child is have him or her see someone who can help determine how the problems have come about. Call our office to be connected with a counselor or therapist who can help – (316) 425-7774, or fill out our contact form.