Like a moth captivated by the brightest, closest light, a child with ADHD is often transfixed by whatever is currently causing him the most stimulation. It might be a video game, television show, spinning top, mechanical toy, or even tree branches making funny shapes on the windowsill. Perhaps there are several “bright lights” right beside one another, competing for the child’s attention. Or maybe there are many. This is where the “AD” or “attention-deficit” portion of the diagnosis comes into play.
The child is able to focus, but not necessarily on what he’s supposed to. Again, he is drawn to the “brightest light.” In his classroom, a spinning mobile might be that light. Or perhaps memories of the movie he watched yesterday. Maybe it’s the girl who sits next to him and her fancy watch. The child tries to turn his attention to the math problems on his paper, but other things are just too hypnotizing.
When Past and Future Disappear
Not only are these kids captivated by the “bright lights” in their environment, but they also live in the moment. The past and future disappear or don’t exist at all. For example, imagine that you are a child and you’ve got five seconds to live. If the kid beside you had a neat yo-yo, you might just reach out and grab it. In those five seconds there’s no reason to consider a consequence, like the owner’s future feelings or possible reactions. And there’s no reason to think of the past either, like the kindness this other child has previously shown you. No–in your mind, there is only this five seconds and the yo-yo. So you grab. And then, you’re bewildered and frustrated that everybody seems to be upset.
So what can be done?
“Light” Management
An obvious first step is to try to eliminate as many of those distracting bright lights as possible. And we can try to make the thing we need the child to focus on become a “brighter” light. For example, ADHD kids have a terrible time with worksheets and lectures. Those things are just too dim (or shall we say… boring). Teachers of ADHD students would be well-advised to use active, hands-on, creative approaches in the classroom. They should capture the students’ interest in unique, lively ways, involving as many of the senses as possible. By doing this, the ADHD student is more likely to be drawn in.
Teach Your Child to Think about Consequences
The problem of the “disappearing” past and future can be best dealt with by helping the child remember that they exist. In other words, when the child grabs her friend’s yo-yo, have her sit down and acknowledge the consequences of her actions. It might also help to periodically play games, such as the old standard Chutes and Ladders, to talk about actions and consequences. Occasionally ask your child questions like, what do you think would happen if the girl in the story stole the candy? At home, give reminders. “Now wait, remember what happens when we run in the house? What’s the rule?” Finally, be firm, structured, and totally predictable with the method of discipline you use. It’s easier for a child to consider consequences when there’s no doubt about what they’ll be.
Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here. Some links on this blog may have been generated by outside sources are not necessarily endorsed by Kristyn Crow.