Attention problems can be frustrating for kids and parents. 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.
In this episode, Dr. Dave covers:
• How to distinguish attention problems from lack of motivation
• Strategies for kids with attention difficulties
• How phones, gaming, and social media may affect attention
• Why ADHD can look different in girls and boys
• Helping kids start homework & stay focused
• When to seek a professional ADHD evaluation
Key takeaways
• ADHD is not simply a lack of effort. Kids may struggle most with tasks that feel boring.
• 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, technology impacts and more.
Further reading
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
How to Tell if Your Daughter Has ADHD
How Girls With ADHD Are Different
How to Help Yourself Get Organized
Side Effects of ADHD Medication
Not All Attention Problems Are ADHD
Books mentioned in the episode
All About ADHD: The Complete Practical Guide for Classroom Teachers — Linda J. Pfiffner
Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents — Russell A. Barkley
Managing ADHD in School— Russell A. Barkley
The Everyday Parenting Toolkit— Dr. Alan E. Kazdin
Organizational Skills Training for Children with ADHD: An Empirically Supported Treatment — Richard Gallagher, Howard B. Abikoff, and Elana G. Spira
Additional Resources
ADDitude
CHADD
