Q&A: How to Handle Attention & Focus Issues

Attention problems can be frustrating for kids and parents — especially when it’s hard to tell whether a child can’t focus on a task or simply doesn’t want to. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers nine parent questions about attention and focus, including when difficulties may point to ADHD.Dr. Dave explains why ADHD can make boring or repetitive tasks especially difficult and shares practical strategies for strengthening study, organization, and attention skills. He also discusses ADHD in girls, medication use as kids grow, phones and social media, and why an ability to intensely focus on some activities doesn’t rule out ADHD.In this episode, Dr. Dave covers:• How to distinguish attention problems from lack of motivation• Strategies for kids with attention difficulties, even with or without an ADHD diagnosis• How phones, gaming, and social media may affect attention• Why ADHD can look different in girls and boys• Helping kids start homework, stay focused, and study independently• When to seek a professional ADHD evaluationKey takeaways• ADHD is not simply a lack of effort. Kids may struggle most with tasks that feel boring or unrewarding.• Attention problems don’t always mean ADHD. Anxiety, depression, trauma, learning disorders and other factors can also affect focus.• ADHD strategies can help even without a diagnosis. Routines, reinforcement and organization systems can make tasks easier.• Planners, calendars, distraction-free workspaces, and check-ins can help kids develop independence.• Consider whether technology is affecting sleep, schoolwork, or relationships.Further readingHow to Get an ADHD DiagnosisHow to Tell if Your Daughter Has ADHDHow Girls With ADHD Are DifferentHow to Help Yourself Get OrganizedSide Effects of ADHD MedicationNot All Attention Problems Are ADHDBooks mentioned in the episodeAll About ADHD: The Complete Practical Guide for Classroom Teachers — Linda J. PfiffnerTaking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents — Russell A. BarkleyManaging ADHD in School — Russell A. BarkleyThe Everyday Parenting Toolkit — Dr. Alan E. KazdinOrganizational Skills Training for Children with ADHD: An Empirically Supported Treatment — Richard Gallagher, Howard B. Abikoff, and Elana G. SpiraAdditional ResourcesADDitudeCHADD