There are several different classifications of attention deficit involving a combination of attentional challenges and/or hyperactivity and poor impulse-control. As the name implies, it is a deficit or limited ability to sustain and maintain one’s attention. The child may be easily distracted, struggle to stay on task, or rapidly shift from one thing to another preventing him or her from staying on the task at hand. These children are often forgetful and lose or misplace things. Learning challenges are often present as well.
Children presenting with hyperactivity and poor impulse-control are often impatient, struggle to wait their turn, interrupt others, grab things without permission, restless, fidgety, and are on the go as if driven by a motor. As such, they struggle knowing how to act or behave in specific situations. They may be disruptive in class, act out suddenly, or be overly bossy/controlling with their peers and siblings.
Children with primarily inattentive type tend to present with low energy, low motivation, and have difficulties with initiating tasks and following-through with projects. They tend to procrastinate large projects or what they believe to be daunting tasks (e.g., cleaning their room, end-of-term school projects). It is not uncommon for these children to struggle with fatigue and mood as well.
Interventions (e.g., therapy) can often help to improve functioning and can teach the child effective ways to stay focused. The child will likely require frequent redirection from parents and teachers to stay on task. A highly structured and consistent environment, away from distractions will assist with learning. Medication may also be useful, though should always be used in conjunction with behavioral intervention.