Supporting students with attentional difficulties

Children develop at different rates and as part of normal childhood development some are naturally more inattentive or impulsive than others.

Abnormal levels of inattention and impulsivity can be associated with a range of developmental, health and environmental issues including learning disability, intellectual disability, hearing impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, epilepsy, sleep disorders, childhood anxiety or depression and family dysfunction.

When students experience a level of control over their learning they gain confidence. Internal and environmental factors affect the ability of all students to concentrate and students with attentional difficulties are particularly vulnerable to these factors. Consequently, when concentration is affected, so too is the student’s motivation and confidence to learn. Conversely, motivation for learning (e.g topics of personal interest) also plays a role in increasing a student’s attention and availability for learning.

As part of their professional responsibilities, teachers record information on student behaviour and performance. This also applies to students exhibiting attentional issues or impulsive behaviours. Teachers need to record their observations in an objective manner that can be readily interpreted by other professionals. Teachers need to be aware that the information on student behaviour and performance they provide to doctors and medical specialists can be used in the consideration of a diagnosis of a medical condition (e.g. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, ADHD and learning difficulties) and/or in the development of a management plan.

This online resource provides educators with information about attentional difficulties including:
 

• what they need to know in order to support students with attentional difficulties;
• how to access and provide support, particularly in relation to parents and whole school processes;
• what to do in the classroom in relation to the learning and teaching program; and
• a comprehensive reference list including recommended books, journal articles and web sites.