Children with poor attention and concentration often miss important aspects of social interaction with their peers. When this happens, they have a difficulty time "fitting in." They need to focus in on how other the children are playing with each other and then attempt to behave similarly. Attention Deficit Disorder kids often enter a group play situation like the proverbial "bull in the china closet" and upset the play session. As they improve their ability to attend and concentrate, Attention Deficit Disorder children can be coached on how to play appropriately with other children.

Attention Deficit Disorder children may have poor impulse control. This can result in several different problems during play time. First, they may have difficulty stopping a behavior once they have started. They may also carry the behavior to a level of intensity that is too much for the average child. This can even happen when the child is engaged in "horse play" with an adult. They often get "carried away" and don’t know when to stop. This can result in negative feelings among those playing and make the others involved not want to play with the Attention Deficit Disorder child.

Sometimes an Attention Deficit Disorder kid will complain that when he gets into trouble at school that "all the other kids were doing the same thing and I was the only one that got in trouble." When you understand how an Attention Deficit Disorder child functions, it’s possible to see how that may actually be close to the truth. Imagine that the teacher has left the room for a few moments. The class decides to take advantage of the situation and "mess around." When the teacher returns, the class sees her and they immediately stop what they are doing. On the other hand the Attention Deficit Disorder child may not immediately see the teacher enter the room and when he does is not able to immediately stop the inappropriate behavior. The teacher then reprimands him for not stopping. The Attention Deficit Disorder child feels singled out and picked on by the teacher and feels he is being treated unfairly.

Long Term Outlook for Children With Attention Deficit Disorder

When properly treated through a psychological treatment program such as Focus with or without medication, children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Disorder can lead very normal and productive lives. In fact, many traits found in individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder can help them to become very successful later in life. It should be noted that a loving, supportive and consistent environment is essential for the positive growth and develop of all children and especially those with Attention Deficit Disorder or other learning disabilities. People with Attention Deficit Disorder tend to have average or above average intelligence. They are often very creative and usually have a high energy level. These individuals also are frequently very sensitive and highly affectionate. For more help on helping your child to feel good about himself visit the [Emotional & Social Development] section of the CDI Store.

Research shows that some children with Attention Deficit Disorder will eventually improve their ability to pay attention and concentrate whether they receive treatment or not. Their ability for self-control also improves. It is interesting that often children will require less medication as they get older. This may mean that the brain gradually is able to produce more of the needed neurotransmitters on its own without the help of medicine. However, some children seem to have increased difficulty with academic achievement around the fourth grade. This may be due to the requirement for a higher level of organization and planning skills which they do not have. Because no one can predict how a child’s Attention Deficit Disorder will progress, it is important that children who have difficulties with attention, concentration and impulse control, receive early intervention. Psychological treatment such as that provided by Focus is most important because of it’s lasting effects. Medication may also be useful in some cases.

In the last few years, it has become more likely for adults to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and start on medication.

These may be individuals who were not properly identified when they were children. In other cases, adults may have learned to compensate for their disorder and become very successful individuals. In fact, some may "over compensate" and become extraordinarily successful.

Unfortunately, many individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder who are not diagnosed and properly treated as children can have enormous difficulty adjusting as adolescents and adults. Using the techniques found in Focus now can help your child to be able to achieve his or her full potential as an adult.

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