How to work with children with low attention span

[ck123]

I still can’t figure out. My boy is active, very active on things that interest him …


Sometimes he is quick but sometimes doesn’t seems to get a simiple concept…

Very frustrating…

[heutistmeintag]

I am not sure if you folks are referring to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Find out more here http://www.spark.org.sg/adhd.html


My son was diagnosed by a psychologist to have mild ADHD and interestingly, he scored ~130 for performance IQ. If I recalled correctly, it means he has better psychomotor skills and can learnt very well through doing things. So while he has high energy level to want to do things well, he lack focus and change his mind very quickly.

He is restless most of the time (I wont called him hyper-active) and daydream when things do not interest him. He still is this way until today and the pyshologist said he will grow out of it as he matures and is able to exercise more control over his mind and actions. To help him, we have to watch his diet to reduce sugar level but on the other hand, cannot deprive him of snacks because ADHD kids need \"extrinsic\" motivation. He is also taking DHA daily to improve on his focus. We were also advised not to expose him to too much stimulants e.g. computer games and TV, and preferably divert his energy to sports.

He went thru a series of slight problems when he was in P4/P5, but I was glad that his form teachers understood his problem and collaborated with us. As EN had described, he loses attention in class quite easily and many times when his teacher try to catch him by asking him questions, he could answer coz he already understand the topic.

If your kids is exhibiting symptons of ADHD, do not feel uncomfortable in sending them for a proper diagnosis to confirm. It is NOT a mental problem or illness. You need to understand the condition and support them until they grow out of it.

[en107rn.01056yahoo.01056com.01056sg]

Hi


I think mine is more of a ADD than ADHD.

But putting myselft into her shoe, I remember trying to listen to teacher but just simply cannot concentrate. The mind automatically switch off no matter how hard I tried. Then the sleepiness came :oops:

I learn better if I'm doing things. Not sure if it is the same as my daughter but I think time to send her to psychologist to do some testing.

[heutistmeintag]

EN:

Hi


I think mine is more of a ADD than ADHD.

But putting myselft into her shoe, I remember trying to listen to teacher but just simply cannot concentrate. The mind automatically switch off no matter how hard I tried. Then the sleepiness came :oops:

I learn better if I'm doing things. Not sure if it is the same as my daughter but I think time to send her to psychologist to do some testing.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that the psychologist did mention to perform the test after certain age. I cant remember clearly but I think it could be 6 and above. The test could be inaccurate if done too early because the child could simply be just playful and not wanting to focus attention on anything. Maybe you could check with your pyschologist before the test.

[aggellim]

hi heutistmeintag :

MY SON THIS yr p4 , last yr l bring him to do test (mensa) he was diagnosed by a psychologist to hv mild ADHD and interestingl he was > 130 for performance lQ ,my problem as same like u (heutistmeintag ) what l do , we hired an ex-school teacher to teach him at home, since he was 5 yr old . my son like reading vy much esp storybook 3,4hrs .now he was studying elite school,he performance (all the exam ) p1-p4 math >95up sci>90up eng>80 chi>80. ever the teacher say he was bright , intelligent.the only problem is DAYDREAM, but he was behave in the class.

[jedamum]

aggellim:

now he was studying elite school,he performance (all the exam ) p1-p4 math >95up sci>90up eng>80 chi>80. ever the teacher say he was bright , intelligent.the only problem is DAYDREAM, but he was behave in the class.

So i guess the day dream part is cos school is not stimulating enough.

[ck123]

Hi heytustneubtag,


I think my son got all the above mentioned. Where can I bring him for a diagnose?

Thanks

[aggellim]

hi jedamum, :

u r right . l always teach my son, be gd at budgeting one's time , this is vy importance 4ur life . am l right ? if u wanted to hv a bright future . parents should be passionate to them (ADD /ADHD )child .give them fully support and understanding .

[amylqf]

just did a search on internet, Singapore brain revolution has a program on attention span and help with special need children as well.


http://www.brain-revolution.com/PlayAttention.html

[heutistmeintag]

aggellim:

hi heutistmeintag :

MY SON THIS yr p4 , last yr l bring him to do test (mensa) he was diagnosed by a psychologist to hv mild ADHD and interestingl he was > 130 for performance lQ ,my problem as same like u (heutistmeintag ) what l do , we hired an ex-school teacher to teach him at home, since he was 5 yr old . my son like reading vy much esp storybook 3,4hrs .now he was studying elite school,he performance (all the exam ) p1-p4 math >95up sci>90up eng>80 chi>80. ever the teacher say he was bright , intelligent.the only problem is DAYDREAM, but he was behave in the class.

I am glad your son is doing well academically. Mine is doing average at P6 averaging 70+ coz I think we (parents) were too lax with him when he was younger. Daydreaming can be avoided if he's given the right challenges. to divert his energy to. I wish my problem is as simple as yours. lol