Attention Issues in Preschoolers: When to Seek Help

Q: Attention Issues in Preschoolers: When to Seek Help

Hello： Every child has different learning abilities. <br>If a child cannot remember all the steps at once, it might be helpful to focus on one step at a time. <br>Work together with them to complete that step, and then give them a big hug or praise. <br>This encouragement will bo

Children with attention difficulties may experience poor academic performance?

Hello Doctor: My son is going to enter kindergarten this year.
When he was in preschool, he often wasn't attentive in class and didn't really listen to the teacher.
However, his preschool teacher mentioned that he learns quickly but is a bit mischievous, so I didn't think much of it.
In kindergarten, he was placed in a public preschool, and every day the teacher would report that he wasn't paying attention in class and would disrupt other children.
I initially thought it was because the teacher's lessons weren't engaging enough, but the kindergarten teacher said that when she explained the steps for learning, he couldn't remember them completely.
Afterward, when other children were already doing the tasks, he would go back to ask the teacher again.
Today, I tried to have him complete three steps: 1.
Put his bowl in the sink, 2.
Put all his toys from the living room into the toy room, 3.
Put all his toys from the sofa into the toy room, ensuring that the toys should not be placed on the lid of the box but should be stored inside the box with the lid closed.
I asked him to repeat the steps back to me, and after three attempts, he still couldn't say them correctly.
It was only on the third try that he could vaguely remember them, but he never got the order right.
I'm starting to get worried because his treatment period is six months, and he is currently five and a half months old.
I initially thought he might have attention issues due to allergies, so I didn't pay much attention.
Moreover, since every teacher has said he has good learning ability, I don't understand why he learns things quickly but can't remember three steps when I tell him.
The kindergarten teacher said that other children can do it, but he cannot.
I am concerned about how this will affect his future learning in elementary school.
The teacher suggested that parents take him to see a doctor, but I'm unsure which specialty to consult.
Will he need medication? How long will he need to take it?

Danxin Erzi de Mama, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/06/27

Dr. Wang Hongsong reply Psychiatry

Hello: Every child has different learning abilities.
If a child cannot remember all the steps at once, it might be helpful to focus on one step at a time.
Work together with them to complete that step, and then give them a big hug or praise.
This encouragement will boost their confidence, and when it's time to repeat the same step, just remind them a little.
With practice, they will develop a habit.
Sometimes we are too eager, hoping they will remember all the steps at once, which can be counterproductive.
Every teacher says he has good learning ability, which is his strength.
Sometimes, simply allowing him to do it while we observe can be more effective than talking about it for a long time.
The child is currently five and a half years old.
If you are concerned, you can take him to a pediatric development clinic for an assessment.
Whether medication is necessary can be discussed with the physician, but it's important to note that the child's issues cannot be resolved solely with medication; it requires parenting, environmental support, and behavioral management.
Wishing you peace and joy.

Reply Date: 2013/06/27

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a challenging situation with your son as he prepares to transition to a higher grade level. Your concerns about his attention and ability to follow instructions are valid and warrant careful consideration.
From what you've described, your son has shown some signs of attention difficulties, particularly in his ability to focus during class and follow multi-step instructions. While it's common for preschoolers to exhibit varying levels of attention and impulsivity, persistent issues that interfere with learning and social interactions may indicate the need for further evaluation.

When to Seek Help
1. Persistent Attention Issues: If your son continues to struggle with attention and focus, especially if it affects his learning and interactions with peers, it may be time to seek professional help. The fact that he has difficulty remembering and following multi-step instructions, as you've noted, is a significant indicator.

2. Impact on Learning: If his attention issues are impacting his ability to learn effectively in the classroom, as indicated by the feedback from his teachers, this is another reason to consider seeking assistance. Teachers often have experience with a range of developmental behaviors, and their observations can provide valuable insights.

3. Social Interactions: If his behavior is causing disruptions in class or affecting his relationships with peers, this is a critical area to address. Social skills are vital for a child's development, and difficulties in this area can lead to further challenges in school.

Steps to Take
1. Consult a Pediatrician: The first step is to consult your child's pediatrician. They can perform an initial assessment and determine if a referral to a specialist is necessary. Pediatricians often have experience with developmental issues and can guide you on the next steps.

2. Consider a Developmental Evaluation: If recommended by the pediatrician, a developmental evaluation by a child psychologist or psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive understanding of your son's attention and learning abilities. They may assess for conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or other learning disabilities.

3. Behavioral Therapy: Depending on the evaluation results, behavioral therapy may be suggested. This can help your child develop coping strategies and improve his attention and social skills.

4. Medication: In some cases, medication may be recommended to help manage attention issues. If this is the case, the specialist will discuss the potential benefits and side effects with you. It's important to understand that medication is often just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include therapy and behavioral interventions.

5. Support at Home: In the meantime, you can implement strategies at home to support your son's attention and learning. This includes creating a structured environment, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and using visual aids to help him remember instructions.

Conclusion
It's essential to approach this situation with patience and understanding. Early intervention can make a significant difference in a child's development, and seeking help now can provide your son with the support he needs to thrive in school and beyond. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help both you and your son navigate these challenges.

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