huanix

What really constitutes a short attention span in a child or adult? I am so frequently confounded by that question that I frequently amuse myself with it. For example, I cannot persist at an untimed mundane task for longer than 7 or 8 minutes [honestly]. One of my jobs at school is to manually transfer a hand-written master schedule for the school into a computer program, and I can barely tie myself down to do it. One might suggest that I have a short attention span – i used to believe it myself. However, it is very interesting to note that if you set me down in front of a malfunctioning computer, a rubiks cube, google, or a puzzle, I can persist for tens of hours without the need for food or restroom.

I have heard [as of yet un-cited] quotes that a person’s expected attention span is some multiple of 2-5 times their age [wikipedia]. So, as a 29 y/o, my attention span should range between 58 to 145 minutes. I can attest through my training as a school psychologist that some young students can attend in excess of sixty minutes, and adults are generally able to attend in the range of 90 to 120 minutes before requiring a break.

All of this brings me to my irritation with the way ADD/ADHD is identified in children. The following are the criteria from the CDC as quoted in the DSM-IV:

 Inattention

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

5. Often has trouble organizing activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

8. Is often easily distracted.

9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

So, the reason I write, is to point out that these aren’t the criteria of a child or student with a disorder, they’re the characteristics of a person who has been placed in a situation where they’re not interested in the goals placed in front of them by those who “know best”.  I personally LOVE #6 .. ~”avoids activities that take a lot of mental effort” — if you provided these children with the correct video game, or whatever flavor their interest is, you’re likely to see an incredible attention span.I’m sorry to anyone that disagrees; I do know that roughly 2-3% of children do experience an inability to concentrate that may be associated with ADHD, but I am SO frustrated to see 18-20% of students medicated for having different attentional goals than the adults around them.