How can I help my child develop listening and attention?
Try a change to the environment…
• Reduce distractions e.g. turn off the television; have fewer toys out.
• Choose an activity that your child loves – then they will really want to join in.
Try some visual support…
• Focus your child’s attention by asking them to look at your face before you give an instruction.
• Use visual clues e.g. gestures, objects, pictures, writing down the instructions or key words
• Show your child what you mean. It’s important that your child experiences success.
Try some verbal strategies…
• Tell them exactly how to do good listening: e.g. sit still, look at who is talking, think about what is being said.
• Give your child specific praise e.g. “Well done you listened really well to that story.”
• Give instructions in small steps - one piece of information at a time.
• Emphasise the key words that will help your child to know what to do. e.g. you need your shoes … and bag.
• Give instructions in the order they are to happen, e.g. “Put your shoes away then wash your hands”.
• When telling stories make them more interesting by using ‘voices’ for different characters.
• For older children check if they have understood the question/instruction by encouraging them to repeat back what they think they are expected to do.
Useful Websites:
ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICE (ADDISS)
www.addiss.co.uk
www.addiss.co.uk
Advice, support, local self-help groups, conferences and literature
CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT / HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
www.chadd.org
www.chadd.org
Information on up-to-date research advances, medications and treatments for ADHD
LIVING WITH ADHD
www.livingwithadhd.co.uk
Comprehensive resource for anyone living with, or affected by, ADHD
www.livingwithadhd.co.uk
Comprehensive resource for anyone living with, or affected by, ADHD
