Suggest Treatment For Distractions And Dyslexia In A Child

Posted on Wed, 8 Mar 2017

Question: My grandson is 10. He sits in front of his homework for hours. He will rarely do his work independently but mostly he dawdles, looks for distractions..etc... We feel like slaves to his avoidences, I would like something concrete to help him ingage

Sorry, I read the question wrong. He is taking focalin

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs further evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your queries and understand your concerns. Although the situation with your grandson is not unique, the underlying issue could be hard to discern. There are a number of parameters that need to be systematically excluded. Dyslexia or learning disorders (of various degrees) often go unnoticed and all we can see is that the child does not study well. Problems with sight (refraction errors) can also be an issue. The child could have ADHD (attention deficit or hyperactivity). There could be certain other issues as well and the child needs to be evaluated by a child psychologist. The solution can only be devised after the underlying problem is identified. The child psychologist could also give some simple play setups which would help in enhancing his concentration.

I would insist you not to ignore it. Unfortunately not many pediatricians would be able to help you in this regard.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (10 minutes later)

He has been evaluated concerning learning disabilities and besides ADD he has none. What do you mean by parameters that need to be systematically excluded? I believe some of it is behavior. I agree that a psychologist may offer some insights. Time and finances are stretched thin right now. I appreciate that you say to not ignore it. Thank you for your input.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A child psychologist can help

Detailed Answer:
From your response I understand that he has already been systematically evaluated. Since those are negative, the issues are likely to be behavioral. In such a case the role of a child psychologist comes in. He can offer cognitive behavioral therapy or behavior modification therapy which should help in resolving the situation. I understand that financial constraints are involved but still I would insist early intervention.

Feel free to write back in case of further queries.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar