The inability to concentrate and focus on a task, which is one of the most common problems of today, may be a harbinger of psychiatric problems such as ADHD. The use of technology and overprotective attitudes hinder the development of communication and social skills. In order to overcome the focusing problem, the rules that should be followed should be determined and ensured to be followed. A simple working environment should be provided for the child by clearing the environment of attention-grabbing objects as much as possible. Teaching children to plan their day can also help overcome the problem.
Minister of National Education Ziya Selçuk pointed out that there is a concept called Shining Objects Syndrome (PNS) and said, "This is the age of PNS. In other words, something is constantly being shined, something is constantly being made fashionable and our attention is distracted. We are never given the opportunity to focus. We are coming towards a period in which PNS is getting stronger and stronger with phones and other digital tools, which I see very easily in children." The problem of not being able to focus, brought to the agenda by Minister of National Education Ziya Selçuk, may be a harbinger of important problems.
Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Child Adolescent Specialist Clinical Psychologist Aynur Sayım said that we need to have the ability to concentrate and maintain attention in order to complete the activities we do in our daily lives.
Psychiatric causes such as ADHD may be effective
Aynur Sayım stated that the processes that affect our concentration and maintenance of a job can be caused by psychological and environmental reasons as well as an existing psychiatric problem. Expert Clinical Psychologist Aynur Sayım said, "People who have focusing problems may have a problem caused by psychiatric disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as personality traits, exposure to too many stimuli."
The virtual world prevents creating a social repertoire
Emphasizing that there are too many environmental stimuli today, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Aynur Sayım pointed out that this situation negatively affects the communication and problem-solving skills of the person and said, "There are many programs that include videos, movies and communication channels. Although it is also valid for us adults, these programs are very attractive for children and young people in terms of being intriguing and easily accessible. While the mind functions intensively in the virtual environment, the body remains passive and virtual communication is emphasized instead of real communication. This means a lack of communication skills, problem-solving skills, in other words, a lack of building a social repertoire."
[haber=dehb-cocukta-when-lanlasilir]
What does social repertoire mean?
Sayım stated that the social environment, relationships and social style that a person develops from the early periods constitute his/her social repertoire and said, "If a child spends too much time with adults, if he/she is too protected and protected, if his/her behavior is interfered with, he/she will not have to solve problems, he/she will not be able to develop skills, he/she will not be able to adopt appropriate forms of behavior. This is how the ability to adapt to different situations is acquired, that is, the child will get to know himself, get to know the other person, and learn how to react to different reactions. Children who have limited these experiences are children who constantly expect support, cannot solve their problems, and experience anxiety in these situations."
Focusing problem may be a harbinger of ADHD
Noting that an existing psychiatric problem in the child can also lead to a focusing problem, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Aynur Sayım said, "For example, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common psychiatric disorder that requires treatment. The main symptoms of ADHD are attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity."
They are restless, often interrupt
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Aynur Sayım listed the common characteristics of these children as follows:
- They are fidgety, they cannot stay in their seats, they climb high places, they move as if they are stuck on a motorcycle.
- They give sudden reactions, talk a lot, interrupt frequently.
- Since they have difficulty sustaining their attention, they get bored of studying, have problems with learning, and this affects their academic success negatively.
- They are forgetful and disorganized, often lose things.
- They are persistent and want their demands to be fulfilled immediately.
- They usually have normal or above normal intelligence.
- They usually have leadership qualities."
Emphasizing that other psychiatric disorders such as specific learning disabilities, conduct disorder and depression can also be seen in hyperactive children, Sayım said, "These children are often criticized because they feel inadequate in certain areas and have problems with learning and following the rules. They experience a sense of insecurity and other psychological problems can be added to this picture."
ADHD can be seen in 1-2% of adults
Stating that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is generally thought to be seen in children, continues in adulthood, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Aynur Sayım said, "Studies conducted in the USA and Canada show that 1-2 out of 100 adults are hyperactive and treatment is also performed in adults."
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Aynur Sayım pointed out that special learning disabilities, depression, anxiety disorders, fears, speech disorders, behavioral problems also have difficulties in the child's ability to focus on an activity and maintain attention.
Listen to these suggestions to overcome focusing problems
Addressing what needs to be done to overcome the problem of focusing, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Aynur Sayım gave the following advice to families:
- The skill that the family should acquire first is to be able to give effective instructions. Techniques such as tone of voice, eye contact, being clear, setting goals, focusing on behavior should be done consciously.
-The family should determine the rules that the child should follow. The skills that need to be acquired should be acquired sequentially and with concrete rewards. For example, 1 behavior should be selected and a brand, token, point application should be made, and the child should be motivated towards the target determined from the very beginning in the form of this reward for 10 tokens.
- Clear rules and goals should be set and a determined attitude should be displayed.
- The child's behavior should be examined. Why, in which environment, in what way the behavioral problem arises, should be examined and the right approach for that behavior should be determined together with the therapist when necessary.
- A simple working environment should be provided for the child by purifying the environment from attention-grabbing objects as much as possible. They should be taught to plan their day. In case of need, it is necessary to organize the environment according to the child.
- In case of stress, a reassuring and calming approach should be adopted.
- Holding family sessions to solve problems and finding common solutions creates a democratic environment for the child, he/she realizes that he/she is understood, that his/her family listens to him/her, and learns problem solving techniques.
- A healthy relationship with a child is primarily about accepting him/her as he/she is and making him/her feel this. No matter what the circumstances, no matter if he/she gets bad grades or makes mistakes, we should make him/her feel that we love him/her unconditionally.
-Good communication with the child is possible by using "I" sentences and an empathic approach rather than accusatory, critical and judgmental language." I see that you are angry, do you want to tell me about it?".
Our modeling as parents will lay the foundation for the child's communication with other people and self-discipline. For example, if we are parents who spend the whole evening on the computer and phone, it will be difficult for us to discipline our child with technological devices.
-Making time for the child is the beginning of a good relationship. Spending time with our friends, chatting and playing games is as relaxing for us as it is for us as adults, and our children need to do the same with their friends and with us. Aren't we their life guides who prepare them for life, set an example, teach them how to solve problems, how to cope with difficulties? For this reason, let's emphasize that the time we allocate for him/her is very valuable.
-If we consider that the child has difficulties with discipline, it would be the most appropriate approach to plan activities with the child, family and school to solve the problem with the help of an expert.
-Work should be done on the child's strengths and areas that need to be developed."
