difficulty concentrating

Parents Forum
1

<p>Hey all,
I am a rising sophomore at a good public high school. I am 'academically gifted', I placed in the 98th percentile of 12th graders in an IQ test that I took in 8th grade.
That's all fine and good, and I do like to learn/read/explore.</p>

<p>However, recently I am having difficulty concentrating on things. I just can't focus on stuff, I'm easily distracted, extremely moody, awkward socially sometimes, and I'm not sure what to do about it. </p>

<p>I can attribute the the third and fourth issues to being a teenager or whatever, but I am seriously concerned about the 1st and second issues. Despite being 'smart', and being offered opportunities to research over the summer/ taking challenging classes, meaning that I am stimulated, I just can't sit down and study!</p>

<p>Regardless of how 'good' I am, this is really important..I made it through somewhat this year because a) it was freshmen year, the teachers are more lenient, and i can survive just on being smar.t However, next year, I will be taking 7 classes, (PreCalc Honors, AP Physics B, AP Chem, AP World, Computer Programming, other honors classes), that are going to be difficult..even though I enjoy them, and i'm just freaked out about how i will be able to handle this. Even now, I ought to be studying for finals, but I get distracted so easily!!</p>

<p>With that schedule, ecs, and just day to day life, I'm not sure how I can 'train myself to focus/concentrate'. I don't think I have ADD, and its essential that I learn how to focus.</p>

<p>Do you guys as parents have any tips that worked with your kids?</p>

<p>I'm aiming for top colleges, and I know it is feasible if I just focus and do my best at what interests me, but I just can't freaking focus!</p>

<p>Any advice, please?</p>

<p>Thank you so much!</p>

2

<p>It is likely you are hitting that point where you actually have to study to get good grades; until freshman or sophomore year, many smart students can get by with minimal study skills. Here are a few tips that have worked for my kids:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Don’t wait until the night before the test to study. Do some work every day, and try to really absorb the material so you are just reviewing for the test (not trying to learn it all the night before).</p></li>
<li><p>Study someplace that is NOT on your bed, and not in front of your computer. If you need the computer to study, shut down all windows that are not related to your immediate research assignment needs (no email, Facebook, etc. open).</p></li>
<li><p>Turn your phone off while you study.</p></li>
<li><p>Do not play music or podcasts or anything like that while you study.</p></li>
<li><p>Set goals for yourself, and take a break when you have reached them (eg, I will finish my history paper outline and do my English reading, then I will take a break to text/Facebook for 15 minutes). When you take the break, set your phone alarm so you can get started again when break time is over.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t waste small windows of time during the day when you could get something done. Use any study halls effectively. If you have to wait for pickup after school, find a quiet palce to work on homework while you wait.</p></li>
</ul>

3

<p>Be aware that you have hormonal changes going on that can affect all of this. Just being aware of it might be able to help you be able to deal with it better.</p>

4

<p>^^That’s what I was thinking too. And, like int said, you may be hitting the point where you (finally) have to learn how to study. That is, you can’t just rely on having a top IQ. Good you’re aware of this. Some kids really struggle with this.</p>

5

<p>The one big thing to learn about study skills is cramming doesn’t work. It may for that one test but not in the long run. You need to really know and understand the material. That only comes from practice. With most subjects, skills and knowledge build on what you have learned before. Imagine trying to learn to steal a base in baseball without first having learned to run. If you don’t commit one assignment to your base of knowledge the next assigment will only be more difficult and take longer (while you learn then what you should have learned before).</p>

<p>Keep up with the daily assignments. If given a long term assignment, make a plan with inchstone goals and stick to it. </p>

<p>Another poster said to not have music on. I disagree. If I were to try and study without some kind of background music, I’d go nuts. My mind will wander. This is different than most people, but I am not the only one I know that is like this. You need to figure out what works for you.</p>

6

<p>Your school lets sophomores take AP Chem and AP Physics during the same academic year.</p>

7

<p>My daughter had trouble concentrating into junior year. We finally had her evaluated and, lo and behold, she did have ADD. Might not necessarily want to rule it out without talking to a professional</p>

8

<p>You’ve already taken the first big step… understanding that you won’t be able to skate by on sheer brainpower anymore. Study skills will be important, and you recognize that. That’s great - many super bright kids don’t learn this until they’ve already crashed and burned. </p>

<p>Take another look at your schedule and make sure that you are up to the aggressive courseload. In particular, 2 AP sciences can be tough if there are a lot of labs (and you have computer science too.)</p>

<p>Also make sure to have a good method for using planner (or online calendar, as long as you have backup method). It will be critical to get all of your work turned in on time, and you will no longer be able to rely on memory with tougher courses.</p>

9

<p>Thanks for the kind responses!</p>

<p>Honestly, at my school, it’s not too big of a deal. Normally kids choose to do AP Physics B / Chemistry (non-AP) sophomore year, if they didn’t take Bio/Chem together freshman year.
The <em>really</em> good kids take AP Bio/AP Physics B together, the ones who didn’t double up freshman year end up doing AP Bio/AP Chem junior year… I was slated for AP Bio/Physics, but I choose Chem instead because a) I like it more b) AP Bio exam is being revised, with less emphasis on cramming info and more on learning for 2012-2013, so I thought I might wait.</p>

<p>Also, computer programming that I’m taking isn’t an AP, and it’s essentially an easy A, good intro to it. I’m going to take the AP class senior year I think. </p>

<p>The ‘iq isn’t enough thing’ hit me pretty recently. Before I used to study science a ton by myself, when I was 7-8 (reading simplified kids textbooks, and parent’s books), so I already knew a lot of stuff prior to the class and it was easy. Then it advanced to points I hadn’t study…with bad habits, it didn’t turn out well.</p>

<p>Cramming actually doesn’t work at all for me. I really like to ‘synthesize’ and ‘get info’, which requires time, which I don’t have because I waste it/get distracted!</p>

<p>I think I’ll change my study place, and try doing 45 min at a time and work my way up…</p>

<p>I’m hesitant about ADD because when I was younger, I could literally build legos/read for hours, all night. (I’m a girl btw) I had no trouble then learning…but it seems like I’ve lost the ability to focus on what i’m not interested in. Either that or I never had it. </p>

<p>I’m also afraid of getting hooked on drugs (stupid as that may sound), and I don’t want to go get medication for every trouble I have, especially if it’s not really a problem. I’ll definitely follow up with my doctor…after finals are over though :frowning: </p>

<p>Thanks for all of your advice! It’s helped a lot! :)</p>

10

<p>Couple things…</p>

<p>To me, this sounds like textbook ADD. The reason why you could focus as a child is because of your high intellect. People that are smart experience noticeable symptoms later in life than those who are not. </p>

<p>As for medication, adderall has little to no symptoms, is not physically addicting, and you do not stay on it your entire life. It IS the best route to go for cases of ADHD. I strongly recommend you at least seek professional help to entertain the idea of an ADHD disorder.</p>

11

<p>I think you should be asked to be tested for ADD. There are coping methods that don’t involve meds - and even if you don’t have ADD, at least it would be good to know that.</p>

<p>And second - read this article regarding the “IQ isn’t enough” thing:
[The</a> Secret to Raising Smart Kids](<a href=“http://www.scribd.com/doc/4222897/The-Secret-to-Raising-Smart-Kids]The”>http://www.scribd.com/doc/4222897/The-Secret-to-Raising-Smart-Kids)
It’s not all about being smart - it’s about working hard. Don’t think of yourself as “smart,” think of yourself as hard-working.</p>

12

<p>My God, SeanPm, when I googled "ADHD Predominantly Inattentive ", it fit me scarily well! I just get bored…with everything. And I can be socially awkward and all of that stuff. It’s unreal to think that this just might be it.
Like sometimes, even while taking tests, I get bored of the test and give up on it. I’m surprised that this is manifesting itself now though. Maybe you are right in thinking it has to do with intelligence, i’m not sure.</p>

<p>I’m worried as to how my parents will take it-they’ve made it clear that they are opposed to meds and drugs and diagnosis of ‘mental illnesses’. I have asthma, and they oppose me using my inhaler (it’s excercise induced), the prefer me to get along with it by ‘natural methods’.
Should I go see my counselor or nurse about this first? I really believe that this could be it!</p>

<p>Thanks again!
^Oh, and Lalafum, thanks for the great article. It really gave me a different perspective.</p>

13

<p>“Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Is often forgetful in daily activities”</p>

<p>This is me!
[ADHD</a> Predominantly Inattentive Type (WWK8)](<a href=“http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/what/WWK8]ADHD”>http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/what/WWK8)</p>

14

<p>^^ That’s also most people to some extent or another - don’t let it alarm you and don’t jump to any conclusions.</p>

15

<p>IF you have ADD - and that’s a big IF - it is NOT a “mental illness.” It’s a learning disability. It means your brain works differently than other people’s. It’s not a disease to be fixed - its a condition to be worked with, so that you can still achieve all that you want to. Refusing to allow you to consider undergoing testing, being diagnosed, and being treated is in effect forcing you to give up in the face of a challenge. Would you go mountain climbing without the proper equipment just so you could do it “naturally”? Or would you buy climbing gear so you could actually achieve your goal? </p>

<p>If your parents don’t understand the difference between a learning disability and a mental illness then they need to educate themselves. </p>

<p>And not wanting you to use your asthma inhaler is frankly putting your life at risk. Have your parents looked up how many people die every year from asthma? Do they have some sort of data that using an inhaler makes asthma worse? I’ve never heard that.</p>

<p>As for being “academically gifted” based on a single standardized test in 8th grade… eh. Maybe, maybe not. As the article I linked in post #11 shows, “gifted” is in the eye of the hard worker. Being told you are “gifted” may be the worst thing someone can do for you, because it’s giving you the idea that you shouldn’t have to work. Maybe you DON’T have ADD. Maybe the work is just getting harder and now you need to learn how to focus. Maybe now you need to learn how to really learn.</p>

<p>Either way, you won’t know unless you get tested.</p>

16

<p>I have seen a lot of posters say their child cannot have ADHD/ADD because, when very young, he or she spent hours and hours on a certain activity. As you have figured out, hyperfocus can also be part of the picture with ADHD/ADHD inattentive type.</p>

<p>The stimulants used to treat ADHD can be addictive, and some people develop a tolerance and need increasing doses. However, many students with this brain-based problem don’t take the meds every day. Most do not develop a problem with addiction. There are students who do NOT have ADD/ADHD but use the stimulants to do exam prep or papers, or to get high, and they do develop addiction problems if they abuse the drugs. (A person who DOES have ADHD/ADD will not “get high” on them, but will be restored to “normal” versus being in a deficient state, at least in theory.)</p>

<p>Getting diagnosed does not involve objective tests, mainly a questionnaire and interview. Sometimes a full neuropsychological exam can be helpful. But diagnosis is an art, not a science, and is based on information that you yourself provide. Some researchers are using SPECT scans, but routine use for diagnosis is a long way away.</p>

<p>It is useful to consider the possibility and talk to someone with expertise, for a few reasons. One, if you do get a diagnosis, you will not blame yourself for difficulties, and you will not be misunderstood as “lazy” (though it sounds as if your parents may not grasp the possible diagnosis, a professional could help with that). ADHD/ADD is not a character defect, and has a physiological basis in the brain. That said, it is not an excuse, either, and many people manage it with some education on strategies and hard work.</p>

<p>Two, there are approaches that do not involve medication, which can be tried first, including dietary changes and regular exercise. There are coaches for executive function and ADHD, and tutors who specialize in these things, who can help with strategies to help you focus.</p>

<p>Finally, there is a slew of books (and a WGBH video) available on how to approach ADHD/ADD from a positive direction, based on the incredible strengths (including creativity) that folks with this problem often bring to the table. This approach can help you make plans for the future and figure out what to focus on in the present.</p>

<p>Not saying you have it. There is a lot of overdiagnosis going on. You should, first of all, have a physical check up, of hormones, thyroid function, even a Lyme test. There are many medical reasons that can account for troubles w/concentration. And remember, your brain is in the process of reconstruction!</p>

<p>p.s. My kids’ lives have been saved by inhalers. You should always carry one, for safety, especially if you exercise. If you have a lot of trouble with asthma, you should be on daily preventative meds (that address the cause- inflammation- and not just the symptoms) and not rely only on rescue meds. I don’t know what your parents’ background is, but their opinion on this is very risky. Asthma does tend to start improving during adolescence and here’s hoping that you are one of those lucky ones.</p>

17

<p>As a parent of a child with ADD (inattentive type), I commend LAFalum and compmom for their extremely thoughtful and spot on responses.</p>

<p>My daughter, by all measures “extremely bright,” was highly succesful until high school. She, too, was the kind of kid who would thoroughly immerse herself in her work (which we now know was hyperfocus) and loved school. Once in high school, she was great when she was in class at school–she could pay attention and participate in discussions). But, when it came time to do her homework, she just couldn’t pay attention, collect her thoughts, etc. This is even when we isolated her without her Itunes and IM on. She is on Vyvanse. She is not addicted to it. Her dose even came down after a year because she was able to learn some coping and organization strategies once she became aware of her issues. Her grade point jumped up about 3-4 tenths of a point. The diagnosis of ADD was actually a gift that we are glad she got before she went off to college because now she has workaround strategies in place. Yes, a questionnaire that even a pediatrician can give, can point to a diagnosis. A full battery of educational-psychological testing is sometimes also required if there is suspicion that there is another, tangential learning disability.</p>

<p>Of course, no one should diagnose him or herself. My friend was worried that her son had ADD when he entered 9th grade, but it turned out there were some executive functioning and some psychological issues that he has now overcome and is soaring in HS.</p>

18

<p>just chiming in with our experience. My 18yo S who just graduated HS was diagnosed with exectutive function disorder a few months ago. He has a high IQ, does extremely well on tests and quizes but often fails to turn in what I call deliverables (HW and projects) on time. What they found during testing is that his processing speed is slower than what it should be compared to all the other stuff they tested him for. He always took the most rigorous course load in school and always did “OK” We thought he was lazy and unmotivated (bad mommy). He has been seeing a therapist for a few months who decided S does not need meds, at least at this point. Unfortunately we will not know til he is in college and starts to apply some of the methodology he is learning whether it works for him. We were told that smart kids get overlooked regarding ADD because they are so smart and they learn coping techniques to get them by til at some point they hit a wall and those techniques no longer work. </p>

<p>Don’t know if this is your issue or not but it can’t hurt to get tested.</p>