I was
concerned to hear a report in the news the other week regarding an increase in
the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) among children and adults resulting in the steady
rise in "attention drugs". According to
the Care Quality Commission in the UK prescriptions have gone up by 56 per cent since 2007.
I
question as to whether the diagnosis of ADHD is always accurate? Are drugs to
treat ADHD given out to quickly before a thorough assessment is established?
Since
working with children that attend our language groups within schools and
children’s centres, I have found that the majority of children have very poor
attention and listening skills. These skills are essential for all learning
especially for speech, language and communication development. Furthermore,
social communication can be greatly affected if a child or adult cannot attend
to people by looking, smiling etc.
There are
many factors that can affect a child’s attention i.e. neurological components,
medication, environment, poor motivation etc. As
accurately described by Libby Hill, ‘It is a known fact that today we
live in a very visual, fast- paced world, and often the first time a child is
required to do any formal listening is when they start school. Many children
have to be taught to attend and listen before they can begin the demands of the
national curriculum.’ All these possibilities and potential reasons for poor
attention and listening need to be considered in our assessments as speech and
language therapists; and those of other professionals; i.e. we need to remain
holistic.
Some
children are naturally more energetic, restless and excitable; with these more
‘lively children’ I try to take the following approach:
·
I always
have a positive approach to all children, providing praise when necessary no
matter how big or small others may observe their achievement to be.
·
I always
remember that all children have their own strengths and weaknesses; and I will
often reassure parents by highlighting these strengths.
·
I will
include an activity I know they enjoy
·
I implement
a routine so that they know what to expect
·
I will often
include energetic activities; therefore putting their energy to a positive use,
goals can still be met
·
Observe when
their attention is better i.e. particular times of the day, particular
activities, with particular people etc. All of which can inform your management
of that child so that these opportunities can be repeated more often resulting
in success.
·
Depending on
the child/children I will include a reward; given at the end of the session
i.e. stickers, or a particular activity etc.
·
Reduce my
demands on that child i.e. reduce the level of information given at a time,
ensure to reduce questions.
·
If needed
repeat instructions/comments several times.
These are
things that I find useful when working with children that ‘struggle’ with their
attention and listening. I would love to hear about your experiences and
suggestions.
Thank you,
Georgina
White
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back
ReplyDeleteto your blog? My blog is in the very same area of
interest as yours and my users would truly benefit from a lot of the information you
provide here. Please let me know if this alright with
you. Cheers!
Check out my homepage ... my review here
No problem, we're always happy to share.
ReplyDeleteIm no expert, but I believe you just made an excellent point. You certainly fully understand what youre speaking about, and I can truly get behind that. http://www.speakeasytherapylv.org/
ReplyDelete