Finding support when your child has difficulty paying attention

Does your child struggle paying attention at school and in other settings? It’s well known that children have a much shorter attention span than adults, but what’s considered normal? According to Tiffany Gordon, FNP-DNP, Ridgeview Clinics in Le Sueur, a child’s attention span equates to generally about two to three times their age. That means a child who is five years of age would have an attention span of 15 minutes ― at best.

This is just one consideration for a child who has difficulty focusing on activities or in the classroom. If your child seems to have additional challenges paying attention or completing tasks, he or she may have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or anxiety. It’s important to seek support, diagnose these conditions and learn coping strategies to help your child reach their full potential.

ADHD and anxiety symptoms  

If a child struggles with anxiety, it is more difficult to diagnose ADHD since the symptoms overlap. Monitor and document your child’s behavior so you are able to share information and patterns with your health care provider. Watch for:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble completing work and meeting deadlines
• Restlessness
• Distraction
• Insomnia

Adults and children with ADHD tend to be disorganized, lose things and exhibit impulsive behaviors. They typically have difficulty paying attention and are usually hyperactive (squirmy or fidgety).

Anxiety is especially difficult to identify in children because they tend to internalize their thoughts and feelings. If your child is anxious, they may have difficulty sleeping; they may sweat, tremble and experience gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. While some worry is a typical part of life, anxiety disorder occurs when an individual feels overwhelmed and is unable to regulate their emotions. 

“Having ADHD and/or anxiety makes it difficult for a child to wind down and ‘shut off’ their brains. While ADHD and anxiety are separate conditions, it’s fairly common that they are present in the same individual. The good news is that both are highly manageable. The sooner your child’s ADHD and anxiety are treated, typically with therapies and medication, the better the outcome,” Tiffany said.

Diagnosing ADHD and Anxiety 

The first step is to visit your child’s primary care provider. “We typically want to see these behaviors in more than one setting to consider a diagnosis, so we will ask adults who have regular contact with your child to complete an assessment,” Tiffany explained. “Having a short attention span and high energy is typical for most children and teenagers, but if your child struggles with schoolwork, has difficulty making friends or functioning on a day-to-day basis, speak to your health care provider.”

Coping strategies for relief

“There are several steps an individual can take to improve symptoms of ADHD and anxiety and it starts by identifying stressors and then making lifestyle changes,” Tiffany said.

Identify stressors/triggers: Anxiety may be triggered by specific events. Work with a provider to learn soothing activities (e.g., yoga, meditation) and breathing techniques.

Get adequate sleep: Help your child follow a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

Eat healthy foods: Eat well balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid sugary and processed foods.

Set schedules and routines: ADHD may make it difficult to complete tasks, which can make anxiety worse. To avoid this, create a routine and help your child follow it.

Journal: Writing in a journal can help clear the mind and, if your child is old enough to do so, ask them to write what they’re feeling.

Exercise regularly: Exercise may help lower anxiety. Talk to your health care provider about the appropriate level of activity for the age of your child.  

During the visit with your provider, discuss symptoms and concerns to determine next steps. Following a diagnosis, you will build a care plan together for your child. Get started by requesting an appointment with a Ridgeview provider at a location convenient to you.