Attention problems can be frustrating for kids and parents — especially when it’s hard to tell whether a child can’t focus on a task or simply doesn’t want to. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers nine parent questions about attention and focus, including when difficulties may point to ADHD.

Dr. Dave explains why ADHD can make boring or repetitive tasks especially difficult and shares practical strategies for strengthening study, organization, and attention skills. He also discusses ADHD in girls, medication use as kids grow, phones and social media, and why an ability to intensely focus on some activities doesn’t rule out ADHD.

In this episode, Dr. Dave covers:
• How to distinguish attention problems from lack of motivation
• Strategies for kids with attention difficulties, even with or without an ADHD diagnosis
• How phones, gaming, and social media may affect attention
• Why ADHD can look different in girls and boys
• Helping kids start homework, stay focused, and study independently
• When to seek a professional ADHD evaluation

Key takeaways

• ADHD is not simply a lack of effort. Kids may struggle most with tasks that feel boring or unrewarding.
• Attention problems don’t always mean ADHD. Anxiety, depression, trauma, learning disorders and other factors can also affect focus.
• ADHD strategies can help even without a diagnosis. Routines, reinforcement and organization systems can make tasks easier.
• Planners, calendars, distraction-free workspaces, and check-ins can help kids develop independence.
• Consider whether technology is affecting sleep, schoolwork, or relationships.
Further reading

How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis

How to Tell if Your Daughter Has ADHD

How Girls With ADHD Are Different

How to Help Yourself Get Organized

Side Effects of ADHD Medication
Not All Attention Problems Are ADHD

Books mentioned in the episode

All About ADHD: The Complete Practical Guide for Classroom Teachers — Linda J. Pfiffner

Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents — Russell A. Barkley

Managing ADHD in School — Russell A. Barkley

The Everyday Parenting Toolkit — Dr. Alan E. Kazdin

Organizational Skills Training for Children with ADHD: An Empirically Supported Treatment — Richard Gallagher, Howard B. Abikoff, and Elana G. Spira

Additional Resources

ADDitude

CHADD