| It is estimated that from 3 to 10 percent of the | | | | 3) Disorientation to time and space is often a problem. |
| population suffers from what is known as Attention | | | | 4) They may have difficulty following a set of |
| Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit | | | | instructions or reading a map. |
| Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This disorder is found | | | | 5) They are disorganized. They have trouble making |
| more often in boys than girls. This disorder is | | | | and carrying out plans. |
| characterized by inability to concentrate. | | | | 6) They are hyperactive. |
| Normal attention span seems to develop in three | | | | 7) Because they're always in a hurry, delays of any |
| stages: | | | | kind make them restless. |
| 1. Exclusive Attention: This is a term used by experts | | | | 1.Medications |
| to describe attention that is focused on a single object | | | | Medications used to treat ADHD stimulate the |
| for a long period of time. An example of this would be | | | | production of two neurotransmitters dopamine and |
| a baby who focuses totally on a print or button on the | | | | norephinephrine. These are necessary to carry a |
| clothing of the person holding him. A child whose | | | | nerve impulse (message). When this neurotransmitter |
| attention becomes stuck at this stage of development | | | | is under supplied, a message may not reach its |
| might be diagnosed as having autism. | | | | destination. Brain circuits, like those of a computer are |
| 2. Inclusive Attention: This refers to a very wide span | | | | either on or off. When some circuits are on they make |
| of attention that is constantly changing from one | | | | something happen such as helping a person to focus |
| object to another for example a toddler who is running | | | | on a situation. |
| from one toy to the next never able to stay with any | | | | Some circuits prevent emotional reactions to situations. |
| one toy even for short period of time. A child who is | | | | If the circuit is not on or only partially on, the person |
| stuck at this stage develops attention deficit disorder. | | | | may react too quickly to a minor incident which causes |
| 3. Selective attention: This refers to a stage where | | | | anger reaction. These medicines are not sedatives in |
| child is able to shift focus at will from being inclusive to | | | | fact they stimulate certain parts of brain, so it |
| being very exclusive. This pattern of attention and | | | | becomes more active leading to better attention and |
| concentration is required to be successful in a | | | | concentration and self-control. |
| classroom-learning environment. | | | | 2. Diets |
| Causes | | | | A diet high in L-Tyrosine, an amino acid (protein), has |
| Slow psychological development | | | | been demonstrated to be effective in some cases. |
| Learning disabilities | | | | The body to produce norepinephrine a |
| Anxiety | | | | neurotransmitter uses L-Tyrosine. A diet rich in |
| Depression | | | | L-Tyrosine may work well to certain extent. |
| Low thyroid | | | | 3. Psychological Treatment |
| Poor nutrition | | | | Psychotherapy like behavior modification, cognitive |
| Boredom due to lack of challenge | | | | behavioral therapy and relaxation training can have a |
| Problems faced | | | | positive effect. |
| 1) A high level of frustration causes impatience. They | | | | 4. Psychoeducational Program |
| want it to finish every thing quickly. | | | | Focus is a psychoeducational program that designed |
| 2) Unable to filter out normal background "noise". Thus | | | | so that it can be used as either an adjunct or as an |
| finding it difficult to concentrate on a task before them. | | | | alternative to medication. |