![]() Difficulty with attention and focus are common concerns that bring families to The Tutoring Center. Kids are busy and that is to be expected. They are full of both energy and emotion. Childhood is a time for imagination, fun, and play. Sitting in a classroom is not the most natural of environments and yet, most children, age 6-18 spend at least 30 hours per week doing just that. Many students struggle to maintain attention and focus at school and at home. When does this struggle cross the line and become an indicator of a more? Characteristics of Focus/Attention Issues □Overlooks or misses details, makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities □Has problems sustaining attention in tasks or play, including conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading □Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly □Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace or starts tasks but quickly loses focus and gets easily sidetracked □Has problems organizing tasks and activities, such as what to do in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, has messy work and poor time management, and fails to meet deadlines □Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework, or for teens and older adults, preparing reports, completing forms or reviewing lengthy papers □Loses things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and cell phones □Is easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli □Is forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments Characteristics of Hyperactivity-Impulsivity □ Fidgets and squirms in their seats □ Leaves their seats in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or in the office □ Runs or dashes around or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate or, in teens and adults, often feel restless □ Is unable to play or engages in hobbies quietly □ Is constantly in motion or “on the go,” or acts as if “driven by a motor” □ Talks nonstop □ Blurts out an answer before a question has been completed, finishes other people’s sentences, or speaks without waiting for a turn in conversation □ Has trouble waiting his or her turn □ Interrupts or intrudes on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov It is normal to have some inattention, unfocused motor activity and impulsivity, but for people where these symptoms: -are more severe; -occur more often; -interfere with or reduce the quality of how they function socially, at school, or in a job THERE IS HELP! Reach out for more information and a no-obligation consultation. For more information reach out to Kelley Phipps at [email protected]
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Focus and Foundation
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