Short attention span
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Short attention span is a common topic in parents’ descriptions of one condition: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
For kids diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Short attention span is one of three symptoms related to Difficulty Completing Tasks according to Sleuth parents. All of the symptoms of Difficulty Completing Tasks among kids with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are:
Other symptoms or behaviors to look for with Short attention span
When parents mention Short attention span they also mention these other symptoms:
| Symptom | Frequency | Number of mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperactivity | Often | 4 mentions |
| Angry behavior | Often | 3 mentions |
| Difficulty paying attention | Often | 2 mentions |
| Fidgeting | Often | 2 mentions |
| Forgetfulness | Often | 2 mentions |
| Inattentiveness (or not listening to others) | Often | 2 mentions |
| Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) | Often | 2 mentions |
| Anxiety | Sometimes | 1 mention |
| Being irritable | Sometimes | 1 mention |
| Day dreaming | Sometimes | 1 mention |
Characteristics of Short attention span
Short attention span starts at the following ages...
How to read this chart
How common is Short attention span?
Across kids of all ages represented on Sleuth, 45.52% of parents surveyed by Sleuth say their kids have Short attention span.
Percentage of kids with Short attention span by year of age
This is based on a survey of 536 children on Sleuth. The plot shows the percentage of parents who rated their child’s Short attention span “Moderate”, “Severe”, or “Very Severe” among kids in different age groups.
Frequency
| Outcome | Percent of Children | Total Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Continuously | 12% | 55 mentions |
| Hourly | 0% | 0 mentions |
| Daily | 20% | 92 mentions |
| Weekly | 16% | 73 mentions |
| Monthly | 9% | 42 mentions |
| Annually | 5% | 21 mentions |
| A Few / Several Times | 12% | 54 mentions |
| Once | 2% | 8 mentions |
| Never | 24% | 106 mentions |
Severity
| Severity | Percent of Children | Total Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Very Severe | 12% | 64 mentions |
| Severe | 14% | 75 mentions |
| Moderate | 20% | 105 mentions |
| Mild | 20% | 106 mentions |
| Not at All | 35% | 186 mentions |
Care of Short attention span
Less common approaches...
| Treatment | Rating | Discussion |
|---|---|---|
| 1Medication (general) | Very Positive 5 of 5 | Read 0 comments |
| 2Individualized Education Plan (IEP) | Very Positive 4.5 of 5 | Read 0 comments |
| 3Therapy / Counseling | Positive 4 of 5 | Read 2 comments |
| 4Medication (prescription) | Positive 3.5 of 5 | Read 2 comments |
| 5Occupational Therapy | Neutral 3 of 5 | Read 0 comments |
| 6Speech Therapy | Very Negative 1 of 5 | Read 0 comments |