Children aged 7–12 may occasionally have difficulty concentrating. For example, a child may procrastinate, get distracted in the middle of schoolwork or find it difficult to concentrate through to the end of a task.
A child's lack of concentration or restlessness is not necessarily a symptom of ADHD. The challenges may be related, for example, to environmental distractions or everyday stress.
The challenges may also be related to the fact that a child’s executive functions are not yet sufficiently developed. Executive functions refer to a person’s ability to direct their attention and plan their actions in order to achieve goals. These skills, and the brain areas that support them, continue to mature well into adulthood.
Tips to support concentration and executive functions
The ways to support a child’s concentration and daily functioning are generally the same, regardless of the underlying reasons. Anticipation, routines and clear instructions are helpful when a child is still practising, when difficulties are related to circumstances in life or the environment, or when neurodevelopmental traits (such as neurodivergent or neuropsychiatric traits) create challenges in everyday life.
- Help your child in establishing daily routines. Routines make tasks more predictable and manageable.
- Set small, achievable goals. They can increase motivation and make tasks less overwhelming.
- Reduce distractions such as sounds and visual stimuli to help your child concentrate.
- In situations that require sitting still, provide the child with a balance cushion or a squeeze toy or piece of jewellery. Let your child choose a comfortable position.
- Encourage short breaks and exercise. Getting up and moving in between tasks can help to focus concentration and help the child return to the task with renewed energy.
Your family should also ensure that your child has a regular daily rhythm, limited screen time, a good and varied diet and sufficient levels of physical activity.
If you are overwhelmed by everyday challenges and you do not have the resources to deal with them, you can contact social counselling for families with children to get the support you need.
Download the "Smooth Everyday Life" guide by ADHD liitto ry (PDF)(Link leads to external service)
Challenges may intensify at school
As your child reaches school age, any previously identified challenges in concentration and executive functions may become more pronounced as the demands of learning and social interaction increase.
If your child’s behaviour, everyday challenges or schoolwork are a recurring source of concern for you, raise the issue with the class teacher at school. It is important that children receive the necessary support for their development and learning. Support measures do not require a diagnosis.
Support for behaviour and development problems
If everyday life with your child feels difficult because of restlessness or challenges with communication or behaviour, there are many ways to make daily life easier.
Services like speech therapy, occupational therapy and special needs education can support your child's learning and coping with daily life.
Read more about supporting a child with behaviour and development problems
