During the period when children start school, adults observe in many of them problems with concentrating on tasks at hand. The inability to concentrate on one thing then often translates into further learning problems. It is therefore very important to recognise as soon as possible attention deficit disorder in children and begin appropriate treatment immediately. In the article we suggest what can be done in such a situation.
Attention deficit disorder in children - causes
Any young child up to the age of five can have problems with concentration. It is absolutely normal for children during this period not to respond every time to what is being said to them. This is usually due to the fact that they are playing with something because they are busy with something else at the same time. It is then also difficult for them to focus on another message.
The problem arises when concentration does not improve as the child grows. A five-year-old child should usually already have divided attention. This is why, as they enter the early elementary school years, parents and caregivers should pay more attention to the tasks given to them and do so very consciously. A child at the beginning of primary school at this age can do two things at once, e.g. listen to a parent and play with a favourite teddy bear. If a child in early primary school still has problems concentrating, a the message needs to be repeated several timesA specialist counselling centre can help in this situation, where appropriate tests can be carried out.
How to treat concentration problems in children?
The first stage of treatment attention deficit disorder in children is to correctly identify the problem and analyse all the symptoms. The subsequent steps depend on this. The treatment itself is mainly based on regular exercise and observing the child at every point in his or her life. It is therefore very important that not only the immediate family, but also those around the child, i.e. carers and teachers, become aware of the problems.
Psychologists primarily recommend therapy, which emphasises the importance of regularity and good organisation of work. Concentration exercises done together with loved ones are an excellent way to support for cognitive development. Through these, the child develops desirable behaviours. Exercises can be done by stacking blocks, crayons or even pasta. It is important to stick to the rules and stack them at a set distance. Another exercise is mirroring. This task also requires a lot of focus and concentration. The child has to draw with both hands at the same time so that a mirror image is created. Attention deficit disorder in children can be levelled by regular exercise at home and in the office.
There are different degrees of Attention Deficit Disorder, so in advanced cases basic exercises alone are not enough and it will be necessary to undergo psychotherapy and sometimes even drug treatment. Early symptoms should not be underestimated, as the condition will progress if left untreated and can make it very difficult to function in adulthood.
