improving focus...without meds

[caedmyn]

Looking for ideas on what to try to improve focus/attention for my 7 yo with ADHD symptoms. Fish oil didn't help. It is so hard to even get his attention at times. People say to go touch him on the shoulder if he doesn't respond, but he doesn't respond to that either if he's off in la-la land. (I don't mean that he doesn't respond at all, but on occasion it can take a couple of minutes to actually get him to switch gears. Most of the time it takes 2-3 attempts.) Focus on schoolwork is another big issue, particularly reading lessons (he's likely dyslexic). He has no trouble focusing on read-alouds and less trouble focusing on copywork or math. He generally responds fairly well to using a timer but sometimes it is too much pressure for him.

[EKS]

My 20yo son has dyslexia and ADHD.  It could be that the dyslexia is causing everything.

 

A protein breakfast worked pretty well here.  You could also try coffee (though I realize that that is med-like).  My son hates ADHD meds so he self medicates with coffee now.  He says it works pretty well, but it's relatively short acting.

 

The other thing that worked was having me sit right with him at all times for schoolwork because any independent work simply wouldn't get done. At that age, I had to redirect at least every minute, if not more.  The touch on the shoulder thing sounds to be way too subtle.  

 

Keep in mind that if your son has dyslexia, right now learning is really, really hard for him.  It is difficult to stay focused on things that are hard--even for adults.  So give him all the support you can!  I don't mean emotional support though that's good too, more like cognitive support/scaffolding.

Edited July 10, 2016 by EKS

[Lecka]

Maybe a visual schedule, or just a written schedule. Not have a strict schedule, but just in a "here is what is coming next" way.

 

If you know certain transitions are hard for him, do give warnings of time.

 

Also look at what you are transitioning from, and consider having a transition to something else and then transition to the thing you really want.

 

Think like what you see people do with a group of kids sometimes, where they have a snack or drink and it acts as a transition smoother.

 

Or do some silly joke time and maybe that is a good little transition.

 

Or do Simon says or a game that is a little physical like that, but not too active. Or do one of those songs/videos where kids walk in a circle, then skip, then hop, then walk again, and then "sit in your chair" (or whatever). That can be a really good way to transition.

 

I do think, he is little enough, it is still age-appropriate to do whatever pre-schooly stuff like "let's follow the leader" where you do 3-5 fun/silly things and then end on what you want them to do, that you can get away with.

 

A lot of 7-year-olds in groups are doing stuff like this.

 

Or "water and bathroom breaks" really do serve as a transition helper, and many 7 year olds are still doing this, too.

 

If you want to try to google or skim book chapters, it could be "difficulty with transitions" or "difficulty with transitioning."

 

It is a challenge for many kids, it is a big demand.

[Lecka]

Oh, another thing that can help is helping to end the previous thing.

 

This can just be like -- narrating what he is doing and saying "now this is the last thing before..." If he will like that.

 

Or help him find a natural place to stop.

 

There may be things he doesn't know how to end, instead of having a sense of "I put this away" or whatever.

 

If it is just a mental shift, then adding in a physical "put this away" can help, and then you can also have a physical "get this out."

 

Having kids carry things ("giving them a job") is actually a top strategy, too.

 

It might not be how you are structured now, but maybe you could change your structure.

 

It depends on how it goes, and whether or not it adds way too much time bc it can be like "okay, now I have to transition from my transition."

[PeterPan]

Well the caffeine can be a way to *try* stimulants to see if they help him.  If you like the effect, then you know ok, let's consider making the move to actual ADHD meds. There are some caffeine dosing suggestions you'll find online.  I think the one we tried and liked was .10 mg per kg of bodyweight. If you give more than the research-based amount, all you're doing is adding overall stimulation without improving attention further.  In a dc that young, you're taking a VERY small amount.  The only thing I found that would get a consistent dose that small for my ds was Energems.  I bought them but haven't tried them.  

 

Caffeine does not stimulate as many parts of the brain as meds.  It *is* possible to get your meds to be side-effect free and happy, but it can take some tries.

 

To me, what you're describing doesn't really sound like ADHD. In his own world, not transition, able to focus very well on dull things like read alouds...  It's very easy to pursue home treatments and realize you weren't even treating the right thing.  

[geodob]

I wonder if what you're talking about, is his 'spread of attention'?

Attention isn't a single thing, but rather at any moment. We hold multiple points of attention.

Which we need to be able to manage in a hierarchy of importance.

That we rearrange, as to their level of importance.

 

So that our attention is constantly checking these different points, and allocated time to suit their level of importance.

With your example of 'touching him on the shoulder, to get his attention'?

One point of attention that we maintain, is the space around us, out of sight?

Which is generally at low level.

But is usually enough to notice the sound of someone walking up behind us, before they tap us on the shoulder.

 

Unless we are intensively focused, and removed our attention from everything else?

So that what you describe as him being off in 'la-la land'?

Could be intensively focused attention, that is held by blocking out other points of attention?

[PeterPan]

People with ADHD have trouble focusing even when they WANT to focus.  So yes they have selective focus and can pull it out a bit for something they really want to do, but they'll STILL hit that wall.  For instance my dd wanted to scrapbook some pictures, and she'd work and work on them and come out SO frustrated, saying "I want to focus, but I just can't!"  She might be in there for an hour, but she just really struggled.  That's just classic, straight, run of the mill ADHD-inattentive.

 

My ds, at age 5/6, could sit down and play Star Trek Catan with you for an hour.  He'd be in his world and you'd have to touch him and call many times to get him to respond.  The first (idiot) psych called it ADHD-inattentive, which we KNEW was not the case.  ADHD-inattentive does not sit there THAT focused for THAT long at THAT young an age, no matter how awesome their selective focus is and how much they want to.  We later got the ASD with ADHD-combined type diagnoses, and it finally made sense.  The ASD is why he can intensely focus on something, and the ADHD-combined is why his body is not likely to do it very often. (He's hard to get to sit and watch tv, unless it's something he's REALLY into, in which case he'll watch for hours non-stop.)  The ASD is why he wasn't responding.  That responds very well to RDI techniques, btw.  You might look for the RDI book.  A behaviorist would have it or you could find a used copy.  

 

There are more explanations for not responding and in their own world, yes.  A quick glazed look, one that comes back with a snap, that's the ADHD in our house.  But the gone, that's something else.  And I'd be concerned about that, frankly, and about getting the correct explanation for it.  Because without the correct explanation you're wasting time for intervention and doing things that might not even be on track.  What if it's a hearing problem?  That would be a really glaring explanation.  Or what if it's APD or a delay of some kind?  There could be a mix of things.  He might be retreating into his world because he wasn't understanding the language and wasn't able to participate.  Testing can help you sort that out.

Edited July 10, 2016 by OhElizabeth

[nature girl]

Almost all ADHD kids can hyperfocus on things they enjoy. Anna could play with Legos or make masks, collect and study bugs, do pretend play or iPad apps or videos for hours if I let her, she'll also hyperfocus on books since she loves stories. Those all are hyperfocus activities for her. Not quite to the point where she won't notice if I'm trying to get her attention, but it might take a couple of tries, if she's really focused on whatever she's doing.

 

Is this happening while your son is hyperfocused on a preferred activity, or is he just lost in his own thoughts? Is he actually not even realizing you're there, or is he choosing to ignore you because he doesn't want to transition from preferred activities?

[OneStepAtATime]

Looking for ideas on what to try to improve focus/attention for my 7 yo with ADHD symptoms. Fish oil didn't help. It is so hard to even get his attention at times. People say to go touch him on the shoulder if he doesn't respond, but he doesn't respond to that either if he's off in la-la land. (I don't mean that he doesn't respond at all, but on occasion it can take a couple of minutes to actually get him to switch gears. Most of the time it takes 2-3 attempts.) Focus on schoolwork is another big issue, particularly reading lessons (he's likely dyslexic). He has no trouble focusing on read-alouds and less trouble focusing on copywork or math. He generally responds fairly well to using a timer but sometimes it is too much pressure for him.

:grouphug:  :grouphug:  :grouphug:

 

I know you are dealing with a LOT right now and, with multiple kids and a baby on the way and a DH that is not ready for the evaluation road, you are in a very challenging place.  That makes it incredibly hard to know where to put your energies and how to help your kids and you.  Honestly, solid evaluations could genuinely help you tweak out what is actually going on and how to address it but since that really isn't on the table right now I will send you hugs and some suggestions (but I don't have definitive answers so take what I am saying with a grain of salt).

 

1. Try out really short lessons.  Really short.  If he can make it through 5 minutes successfully for the subjects that are hard, then praise him and move on to the next thing.  Eventually, you could increase that time to 7 minutes, then 10 minutes and see how he does but I wouldn't rush it.

2.  Keep things in the same order each day so he can hopefully start to anticipate and get into a routine.

3.  Accept that attention for things that are hard may be genuinely beyond him for any length of time, at least for now.

4.  Keep yourself focused on what you CAN do.  You have so much on your plate right now.  He is still very young.  He has time.  Don't overwhelm yourself trying to push through.  If he does well with read alouds then see about getting him audio books.  Exposure to stories and maybe some fact based content should keep him from falling behind on vocabulary/grammar/concepts even if you are not able to work for any length of time on targeted instruction.  Don't stress over the reading lessons at the moment.  5 minutes a day if he can manage that.  Focus on keeping a healthy relationship, keeping your spirits up and his confidence from failing him.  Those things trump academic lessons right now.

 

:grouphug:  :grouphug:  :grouphug:

Edited July 11, 2016 by OneStepAtATime

[Heathermomster]

Maybe start with the basics and get his ears checked.  ETA:  My DS actually had fluid in his ears and tested low-normal hearing.  Sometimes he responded to DH and I, while other times, not so much.  OP, why am I thinking your child has some OT issues?  If so, then a good OT/ped PT needs to work with him.  An OT can run the interactive metronome (IM) therapy or do it at home.  

 

I have been told that attention is improved for up to one hour after exercise.  In the morning right after the protein breakfast, have him exercise for 15 minutes.  If you own an elliptical or mini-trampoline, well that would be awesome to get his heart pumping and day going.  Maybe follow up the exercise with a subject that challenges you both the most.  You might even be able to squeeze two subjects in.

 

You could try 5 minutes of mindfulness breathing.  You want to establish the habit so that he implements the breathing throughout the day as he needs it.  You could start by practicing right before bedtime.  Mindfulness breathing exercises feel good which is a bonus.

 

I have read that working memory is like a dashboard and has a limit to how much the brain can attend.  If the wm is compromised, the dashboard is smaller so you accommodate by working in shorter intervals followed by a brief rest.  I had to set a timer because DS would go make himself a drink and then 20 minutes would pass.  For breaks, DS also checked the mail or rotated the laundry.  

 

When DS was younger, he incorporated clapping and movement.  DS preferred more hands-on type schooling, and there were times when I made him stand and work at the kitchen counter.  There is a product called a balance stool that you might try; of course, a slightly deflated yoga ball might work too.

Edited July 11, 2016 by Heathermomster

[caedmyn]

He does have sensory issues. He had an evaluation and then a session to set up a sensory diet but that was when we were visiting my parents. The OTs here have a 6+ month waiting list so it'll be a while before he can see someone here. He does focus better when I stay on top of the sensory stuff, which I haven't been doing very well lately.

 

It's not really that he focuses well for a little bit and then he's done. For the most part, to whatever degree he's having trouble focusing right then, that'll carry on through the whole activity.

 

I have trouble getting his attention when he's focused on whatever he is doing or whatever he's thinking. It depends on how engrossed he is in whatever. The other day when he was having a terrible time focusing on his reading lesson he was thinking about something...kept making little comments about it...and I couldn't get him to switch off it. I do think some of it is just ignoring me, because DH has less trouble getting his attention than I do. Like the other day he was watching a movie with DH, and I told him to go ready for bed. No response. Then DH told him to get moving or something like that and right away he looked and me and said, "What did you want me to do?" So it registered that I said something to him, even if not what I said, he just didn't respond.

 

I can try having him exercise first. I got the book S'cool Moves with focus exercises and maybe they would help but there's a lot in the book and idk where to start with them. I may try caffeine also.

[Heathermomster]

When DS worked with an OT and ped PT, he performed crossbody, agility, and static/dynamic balance work.  Weights and rubber band work were also in the plan.  Crawling on the floor is considered cross body.  Check out the Focus Moves Shapes 1 and 2 posters.  My DS performed the following exercises:  boat extension,  pointer balance (both sides), heel sit, table top, and the one leg balance.  Your child may benefit from using a squeeze ball while he works with you, but you'll have to try.  My DS cannot handle that.

Edited July 11, 2016 by Heathermomster

[PeterPan]

The posters are in the ebook. You just blow them up and print.

[Kat w]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

 

I know you are dealing with a LOT right now and, with multiple kids and a baby on the way and a DH that is not ready for the evaluation road, you are in a very challenging place. That makes it incredibly hard to know where to put your energies and how to help your kids and you. Honestly, solid evaluations could genuinely help you tweak out what is actually going on and how to address it but since that really isn't on the table right now I will send you hugs and some suggestions (but I don't have definitive answers so take what I am saying with a grain of salt).

 

1. Try out really short lessons. Really short. If he can make it through 5 minutes successfully for the subjects that are hard, then praise him and move on to the next thing. Eventually, you could increase that time to 7 minutes, then 10 minutes and see how he does but I wouldn't rush it.

2. Keep things in the same order each day so he can hopefully start to anticipate and get into a routine.

3. Accept that attention for things that are hard may be genuinely beyond him for any length of time, at least for now.

4. Keep yourself focused on what you CAN do. You have so much on your plate right now. He is still very young. He has time. Don't overwhelm yourself trying to push through. If he does well with read alouds then see about getting him audio books. Exposure to stories and maybe some fact based content should keep him from falling behind on vocabulary/grammar/concepts even if you are not able to work for any length of time on targeted instruction. Don't stress over the reading lessons at the moment. 5 minutes a day if he can manage that. Focus on keeping a healthy relationship, keeping your spirits up and his confidence from failing him. Those things trump academic lessons right now.

 

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[Kat w]

One-step...this is what we do and has been successful. Keep in mind o.p...success is varied with different DC.

Taking the small triupmhs and making a big deal of them can go a long way to encouraging them...even if diwn the road. These kids have alot of these things "saved in the file in their brains" and will retrieve them and what sems to us at odd times. As if one day they wake up and the light bulb has gone off.

Be encouraged , the things you do and praise in them, are laying dormant somewhere in their heads. And they'll pull it out of their 'filing system ' one day.

Hang in there and hugs. Nit easy I know,

Kat w