Welcome

Ms. Ritu Malhotra student Counsellor specialises in diagnostic work for children's problems. She has held various teaching, counselling positions in hospitals and schools. She is an experienced career guidance counsellor. At present, she is working with Communicare, Perth (Australia) as the Regional Domestic Violence Coordinator. Send in your queries and concerns to her.

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Are your kids suffering from Attention Difficulty?

Many young children have difficulties with concentrating, attending or being impulsive. Some children grow out of it and for others it is an ongoing problem. These children are diagnosed as having an attention deficit disorder.

What is Attention Difficulty?

Children are likely to be distractible, impulsive, fidgety, and active and have trouble remaining on a particular task. Some are ‘dreamers’ who find it difficult to follow instructions and organise themselves.

An attention difficulty may cause concern when a child does not develop concentration or impulse control displayed by other children their age. ADHD is usually diagnosed after five years of age.

Behaviours that may cause concern:

• Inattentiveness- children usually lose focus. They lose concentration very quickly.

• Impulsiveness- children do not think of the consequences. They are children who hit out, run away, get hurt, lose their tempers and break things. These children do things even when they know they shouldn’t.

• Hyperactivity- these children are always busy, active, always running and moving. They often find difficulty in sleeping. Sitting still is hard for them-they jiggle, fidget or bounce.

• Distractibility- the child is distractible; he or she finds it very difficult to remain on a task. Every little sound, person going by, or interesting thought will distract the child.

Characteristics of a Child with Attention Difficulties

Some children show only a few of these problems-others display all of them:

• Excessively fidgets or squirms

• Difficulty remaining seated

• Easily distracted

• Difficulty awaiting turn in games

• Blurts out answers to questions

• Difficulty following instructions

• Difficulty sustaining attention

• Shifts from one activity to another

• Difficulty playing quietly

• Daydreams

• Often talks excessively

• Often interrupts

• Often doesn’t listen to what is said

• Often loses things

• Often does dangerous things

• Inconsistent behaviour

• Impaired impulse control

• Need for immediate gratification

What works in Managing Behaviour?

• Getting their attention first

• Giving simple clear instruction

• Demonstrating what is required

• Offering clear routines and structures

• Helping with transition times

• Setting clear rules

• Reinforcing/acknowledging acceptable behaviour

• Guiding rather than pushing

• Giving time to complete requests

• Offering star charts

• Help social skills

• Build self esteem

What doesn’t work in Managing Behaviour?

• Shouting

• Smacking

• Saying ‘no’ repeatedly

• Confronting

• Trying to focus on all difficult behaviours at once

Tips for Parents and Teachers

• Praise!Praise…….

• Use novelty

• Have clear rules written down

• Provide feedback to the child

• Be as predictable as you can

• Ask the child for ideas

• Time-out works well

• Allow escape valves-Give time for a run outside or a little bit of time to be noisy

• Break down large tasks into small ones

• Listen to the child

• Give children choices

• A quiet corner is useful

• Teach relaxation

• Give yourself time too

If simple measures are not enough - what help is available

• Doctors- medication

• Counsellors-Behaviour modification

• Counselling
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