ADD and Learning Strategies
Attention can be defined as the process of selecting certain environmental inputs needed for cognitive processing. Information that we are capable of sensing stays with us in the sensory register for a very brief period of time. From this point the information is cognitively processed. The role of attention can be found in the moving of this information from the sensory register into the working memory.
Normal attention span seems to develop in three stages. First, the child¡¦s attention is said to be overly exclusive. This is a term used by psychologists to describe attention that is focused on a single object for a long period of time while tuning out all other stimuli. An example of this would be a baby who focuses totally on a button or a pin on the clothing of the person holding him.
Second, a child¡¦s attention develops to where it is overly inclusive. This refers to a very wide span of attention that is constantly and rapidly changing from one object to another such as a toddler who is running from one toy to the next never able to stay with any one toy for any period of time. A child who is stuck at the second stage of attention span development might be diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder.
Third, the child develops selective attention where he is able to shift focus at will from being inclusive to being very exclusive. This is a mature pattern of attention and concentration that is required to be successful in a classroom learning environment.
There is said to be certain key stimuli that have a direct affect on attention. These factors have influence on what is paid attention to and inturn, stored in one¡¦s working memory.
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...ctors are the same. Alex responded to big, bright, loud, high energy/emotion stimuli, as would anyone in seeking to obtain their attention.
In choosing the topic of attention and Attention Deficit Disorder, I was surprised at the number of unanswered scientific questions that still linger. Attention seems to be that little something that you can not see, hear or touch but manages to influence everything in everyone¡¦s life. I enjoyed my time as Alex¡¦s teacher. As I taught him and aided with his attention, he taught me patience. Regardless of what type of students or subject matter a teacher is going to be working with, it can be sure that attention will play a major role in their teaching style. As simple and remedial as it may seem, if the recommended guidelines and criteria are met, you will have a more enjoyable as well as lucrative learning experience.
They need to learn the difference between multitasking and trying to do multiple things at a time. Knowing what can have little attention and what needs your full attention can help out a lot. For example when you are talking to someone, that is when your full attention is needed, as well as working on homework. When something needs a little bit of your attention it will be okay to be distracted. For example it is okay to work out and watch television at the same time, because you are just trying to either entertain or distract yourself to make time go by faster.
Attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity, is frequently misunderstood, but it affects college students' academic and social success, as well as their emotional development. Attention deficit disorders are the second most common disability among college students, and it is classified as a psychiatric disorder, rather than a learning disability, in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, DSM-IV. Characterized by attention difficulties, specifically short attention spans, as well as impulsivity, distractibility, and restlessness, attention deficit disorders can adversely affect the performance capabilities of college students. Individuals report "drifting" during classroom lectures or social conversations, as well as difficulties focusing in noisy environments.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual “ the essential feature of Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder is a pattern of inattention and /or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development”(DSMIVtm,p.78). The second essential feature is that the symptoms began before the child was seven years old. (DSMIVtm). As the child begins school or gets into early elementary school, when they should be able to focus and sit still and listen, their symptoms become more apparent, and that is usually when they get diagnosed (surgeon general). Another essential feature for diagnosis is that impairment must be in at least two settings. (nimh.nih.gov).
During the recent years, words like attention deficit, hyperactivity, ADD etc. have been quite frequently used among various psychiatric and educational institutes. These words have been making its rounds among most educators, physicians, psychologists and young parents in the society nowadays. A few decades ago people were oblivious of these terms or only a few people had heard these terminologies and had experienced children in a class or any other related place behaving in abnormal ways which included fidgeting, restlessness or having very low attention span.
Children who have symptoms of inattention may be easily distracted, have difficulties focusing, become bored easily, have no organizational skills, or just can't seem to complete or turn in their homework. Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may have trouble sitting still and being quite, or they may seem like they are constantly "on the go." C...
Being focused on to the important aspects of life is one of the main functions of the brain. In some diseases or disorders this special function of the brain is either lost or diminished. One such disorder which diminishes the functions of the brain is the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This disorder was initially considered to affect only children but this is a misconception as this disorder is also noticed amongst adults. This essay will focus upon the Adult Attention Deficit hyperactive disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition in which an individual is not able to concentrate or focus on a single aspect for a longer time. This leads to a lack of attention and it affects activities of an individual in everyday life. This essay would further revolve around the different psychological aspect of Adult Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder putting forward the characteristics of the disorder along with great emphasis on the medical treatment and other related issues. To be very particular this work will focus upon every aspect of the disorder relating to its evolution, treatment, etiology and evaluation. (Grosenbach 2000 & Whiteman et al 1995)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. 1998-2010. Mayo Foundation for Medical Eduaction and Research 05 May 2014
"I was trying to daydream but my mind kept wandering." The quote by Steven Wright shows that the person has lot thoughts that are going through his or her mind. Also, the quote shows that the person is inattentive. This means that he or she have an enormous energy store in his or herself. Having time to explore is one of the magnificent things that children often do. Children have an enthusiasm to learn the environment that surrounds them. If they go over the limit, then the children will have problems concentrating. Many scientists have classified these children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Parents may think that the children’s behavior of hyperactivity is normal throughout the child’s life. On the contrary, many of them have gone over the limit of being active. This disorder can cause conflicts at school, home, and social life. Knowing the facts, symptoms, and treatments, the parents can help their child with ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that creates a great deal of discussions among professionals. There are numerous debates that surround this disorder. There are theory’s presented from each side about what causes it, how to asses it, and how to deal with it effectively.
The American heritage Dictionary defines Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as, “an attention deficit disorder in which hyperactivity is present.” Attention Deficit Disorder is defined as, “A syndrome, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, a short attention span, and often hyperactivity, and interfering especially with academic, occupational, and social performance.” ADHD is most often diagnosed during childhood and was formerly believed to have lessened and ended as the child matured but recent studies have found that between 35 and 50 % of all cases persist into adulthood.
National Institute of Mental Health (1999). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Retrieved April 2, 2003 from www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm#adhd3
Nakamura, K. Richard. “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders: Are Children Being Overmedicated?” National Institute of Mental Health. 2002. Web. 02 May 2014.
Many of the developmental issues children face in their youth are linked to disorders that affect their learning and behavior patterns. While the average child would go through a range of normal variations in their behaviors, children with these types of developmental problems fall beyond the range of typical actions. Not just one disorder is to blame for these progressive issues though. There are several, and they can range from highly disruptive to those that are barely an issue in a child’s daily activity. Amongst the many is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children who have short attention span and are not able to stay on task are considered to have this disorder. Here we will examine characteristics and symptoms that are common to those who share this disorder, including the history and how its many issues can often be treated.
The class in which the observations took place was a Year One and Two class with twenty six pupils in the class. Adults within the class were the Teacher, one Teaching Assistant with the occasional help of a Special Needs Assistant. Confidentiality is important within the classroom setting therefore to respect the individuals own confidentiality they will be known as Child J throughout this assignment. Child J is a male aged five years and three months. It was decided that the observations of the individual would be about concentration, as the Teacher was concerned that J does not have the ability to concentrate for more than five minutes at a time. The observations will be noted and taken further if it is felt that it will be beneficial to the child’s education.