Understanding Attention Deficit Disorders

Learning and Behavior Problems Usually Accompany Attention Deficits

An attention deficit is a weakness in the brain's ability to focus on important sensory information. An attention deficit in school can impact a student's ability to processes information from a teacher's words, music, video, and written text. An attention deficit may also affect the brain's ability to filter out information that is not important. People with an attention deficit cannot tune out distractions that others may barely notice.

The sensation of clothing on skin or the temperature in a room can be a distraction in an attention deficit. An attention deficit exists when the brain cannot maintain focus on important information. People with an attention deficit cannot filter out unimportant information or prioritize important information. Problems controlling impulsive behaviors and thoughts are common in attention deficits.

Attention Deficit Symptoms

• An attention deficit may cause inability to attend to a teachers' instructions.
• An attention deficit can cause auditory and visual confusion.
• Memory problems are common with an attention deficit.
• Hypersensitivity to visual and tactile sensations may exist as well in an attention deficit. Those with an attention deficit may feel overwhelmed by pulsing fluorescent light or electrical sounds.
• People with an attention deficit may feel overwhelmed by large assignments. Processing directions is difficult for attention deficit sufferers. People with attention deficits also have difficulty with complex problem solving.
• Hyper-sensitive olfactory systems can also be a problem for attention deficit. An attention deficit may cause everyday smells to seem overwhelming.
  

More on Attention Deficits
Attention Deficit and Misbehavior