Attention problems in children can be caused by ADHD, vision or hearing problems, and deficiencies in mental energy, processing, and production systems. ADHD symptoms include lack of focus and hyperactivity, leading to difficulty following directions and negative attention-seeking behavior. Vision and hearing problems can also affect attention.
Attention problems in children can be caused by several common problems. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and vision or hearing problems are two of the most common causes. Attention problems can also be caused by a deficiency in some systems that control attention spans. Mental energy, processing and production are these three systems and determine which types of attention are involved.
Throughout childhood, every child shows signs of ADHD, such as lack of focus and hyperactivity. A child is diagnosed with ADHD when certain criteria are met. ADHD causes an inability to sit still, fidgeting and blurting out, to name a few symptoms. Due to lack of concentration combined with restlessness and other symptoms, attention problems in children are common. Directions may not be followed correctly or are misunderstood, and behavioral problems, such as negative attention-seeking from adults and other children, may be present when children become frustrated with themselves and others.
Mental energy is one of the three systems that influence attention. It is the energy required by the brain to process information. If a child has a problem with mental energy, concentration leads to mental fatigue and the child will have a tendency to get distracted. Decreased alertness and lack of consistency in performance lead to attention problems in children as well. A lack of mental energy can also cause attention problems due to a reduction in mental effort.
Processing is another type of attention control system that controls attention through information intake. Attention problems in children who struggle in this area are caused by the information a child may be processing. For example, a child may not be able to pay attention to important information for long periods of time. The detail and depth of processing can also be affected, leading to difficulty remembering important details.
When a problem with manufacturing leads to attention problems in children, manufacturing suffers. Children with production problems often suffer behaviorally and academically. They cannot control the pace of completion of tasks and cannot control their responses. Self-monitoring efforts are difficult and a child cannot regulate attention.
Vision and hearing problems can also play a big role in attention problems in children. When children have difficulty hearing, they don’t get much verbal information, which affects their concentration. Vision problems cause children to lose interest because they cannot see things correctly. Both of these problems can usually be corrected, but they can also go undetected until academic or behavioral problems are present.
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