Attention Regulation

The ability to sustain attention is a challenge many children and teens face. Attention inconsistencies refer to difficulty listening at length, following instructions, staying on task, and using past experiences as information for the future. Many children who struggle with their focus also have difficulties with organizational skills and steps for completing homework such as task initiation, completion, and turning work in.

How easily a child or adolescent gets distracted by changes in their environment is referred to as distractibility. This may interfere with attention regulation in a number of ways, both in social and school settings. Distractibility is common in children, but noticing an increased degree can impact learning, sustaining conversations, and at times disruptiveness. At Milestones Psychology, we can determine whether there is a larger clinical concern and advise on the most effective treatment plan. Distractibility is a key feature of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation.

This component of attention regulation is common in children, especially those who have a history of distractibility or difficulty accepting “no” as an answer. When children struggle to follow directions, our clinicians evaluate if there is a larger pattern of concern, and we advise on strategies that can help your child be more successful.

Having difficulty completing work independently may be impacted by trouble staying on task, following directions, maintaining focus, or trusting that answers are correct. Getting to the root of why children are having a hard time completing their schoolwork on their own is something our clinicians will evaluate and advise on. Some children struggle to get started while other children struggle to sustain focus and complete quality work.

A lack of organizational skills in children and teens may interfere with their ability to complete routines or schoolwork on time or accurately. This can hinder performance both in the classroom as well as outside of it. If your child is routinely struggling to manage materials, missing deadlines, mixing up assignments, or having trouble in school, it could be a sign that their organizational skills need attention.

Hyperactivity often presents as difficulty controlling body movements or overtalking. Fidgeting, tapping, excessive talking, moving about constantly, and restlessness are all signs of hyperactivity. Persistent hyperactivity in children and teens is a common sign of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, or Combined Type.

Defined as the tendency to act without thinking, impulsivity is a common component of attention regulation vulnerabilities. Children with impulsivity tend to be impatient, may have difficulty waiting their turn, may interrupt others, or may blurt out inappropriate comments. Difficulty regulating emotions or acting in a way that does not show regard for others are also often related to impulsivity and weak self-control.