Paying Attention

Updated on May 12, 2007
L.Y. asks from Mesa, AZ
5 answers

What is normal as far as paying attention for a 5 yr boy? I am not quite sure what should be "normal" or signs of adhd.

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B.D.

answers from Phoenix on

Is he in school? If you are concerned you can go to your dr and request a connors test. (it's written and your son doesn't even need to know you are doing it) My son 7 has add which is attention deficit disorder, adhd is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Those are 2 different ball games.

My son has trouble focusing in large groups, or with distractions. Since he started his medication it's been a HUGE difference. He also has an auditory processing deficicency. So he's been in an IEP with speech therapy and occupational therapy for a little over a year now.

However it's hard to test most kids untill they are about 7, because a 5 yr old does have a short attention span. If his teachers haven't noticed anything to mention to you, he's more then likely just fine.

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L.C.

answers from Phoenix on

L.,

I have an almost 14 yr old and just last year had him diagnost as ODD which is in the ADHA/ADD/Bi-Polar family. They are all in the same family. So if you want to let me know what your son is doing and I can tell you if it sounds similar.

Thanks,
L.

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K.L.

answers from Phoenix on

I would not worry about ADHD until your child is at least in school and having problems. There are a lot of children out there that are mis-diagnosed. Keep in mind that ADHD drugs are amphetamines (If I spelled that right)and considered narcotics. Check into other things that could be a contrigbuting factor like the food they eat. My son has ADD and ODD and I was very nervous about the drugs.....but the problems he had in school and in life were tremendous so we had to do something to make his life more normal.

Most kids don't pay attention, especially boys.

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S.

answers from Phoenix on

Well my 5 yo boys attention is only good with stuff he really likes. So I am interested too what is normal at this age. It seems to be about the same as other kids his age though.

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A.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi L.,
I teach kindergarten and must admit that I agree with both of the previous posts. If it something that he thoroughly enjoys, then of course he will pay more attention to it than other things. I have always heard in my education classes as well as from our school psychologist that it is "typically" one minute per year in age that children are able to focus on something without needing some type of transition into another activity.
If he is in school, I do suggest speaking to the teacher and find out if he is having any difficulties. A pediatrician is also another great suggestion. If he is only having trouble focusing in school, but not at home, I don't believe that is ADD/ADHD. These problems need to be consistent throughout his day, not just in one setting. I hope this makes sense.
Good luck, I hope that you find the answers that you need.

:)A.

PS: My old school psychologist knew of this weird "remedy". Try giving him a glass of Mountain Dew. In children with ADD/ADHD, it has reverse affects and actually helps them to focus on whatever it is they need to pay attention to. Don't know if it really works, but couldn't hurt to try. :)

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