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What Causes Attention Deficit In A Child?
Question: My single child, a son, is aged 5 yrs, 10 months. We keep hearing from my son's teachers that he does not obey instructions. Will display behavior like keep on doing something with his bag/books instead of paying attention to teacher's call. This is consistent in many other activities we have put him in. Last summer we put him in swimming classes but he will not listen to coaches and does things at his own way. Keep splashing but did not learn swimming in 2-3 months he was put in. Similarly, we put him in abacus (brain maths) class recently, and everyone in the class is listening but my son is playing with his pencil box or fiddling with school bag etc. We are worried why he is not paying attention. Kindly suggest. Can he be Attention deficit ?
Brief Answer:
yes it could be attention deficit but rule out other causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
From your description it looks like your child has probably attention deficit.
But there are other causes which have to be ruled out.
These include anemia, low thyroid levels, worm infestation.
Do consult your pediatrician and enquire about these possibilities.
We do see similar kids in our practice and most of them have mild to moderate anemia.
Many kids improve their attentive skills after anemia is treated well with iron supplements.
A complete blood count and thyroid levels can be done for now.
Explain to him repeatedly how he needs to be more attentive like others. This will test your patience but do it repeatedly.
If everything else is normal then you can get him counselled by child psychologist.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun
yes it could be attention deficit but rule out other causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
From your description it looks like your child has probably attention deficit.
But there are other causes which have to be ruled out.
These include anemia, low thyroid levels, worm infestation.
Do consult your pediatrician and enquire about these possibilities.
We do see similar kids in our practice and most of them have mild to moderate anemia.
Many kids improve their attentive skills after anemia is treated well with iron supplements.
A complete blood count and thyroid levels can be done for now.
Explain to him repeatedly how he needs to be more attentive like others. This will test your patience but do it repeatedly.
If everything else is normal then you can get him counselled by child psychologist.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thanks Doctor. I have few follow on comments. On positive note, he demonstrate good attention in various instances like building Lego on his own, doing self reading without us telling him, . He likes to draw and paint, school teacher gives him dialogues which he learns quickly and speaks nicely, loudly n with confidence like no other kid.
At times he also listens to school mam when she says don't make noise. He doesn't like it when other kids doesn't listen to mam.
He has a good at attention to details. Like if he draws an aeroplane without looking at a picture, he will make windows, wings, and head light and even small lights and exhaust elements in drawing.
His Blood examinations, CBS, Hb, thyroid, lipids were normal in a recent testing.
In light of above, can you please suggest. Thanks a lot !!
At times he also listens to school mam when she says don't make noise. He doesn't like it when other kids doesn't listen to mam.
He has a good at attention to details. Like if he draws an aeroplane without looking at a picture, he will make windows, wings, and head light and even small lights and exhaust elements in drawing.
His Blood examinations, CBS, Hb, thyroid, lipids were normal in a recent testing.
In light of above, can you please suggest. Thanks a lot !!
Brief Answer:
no need to worry
Detailed Answer:
If reports are normal then no need to worry.
You have described that he draws speaks and writes well.
Selective inattention will improve with time, part of learning curve
Your son is doing absolutely fine.
No need for any kind of treatment.
Regards
no need to worry
Detailed Answer:
If reports are normal then no need to worry.
You have described that he draws speaks and writes well.
Selective inattention will improve with time, part of learning curve
Your son is doing absolutely fine.
No need for any kind of treatment.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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