For many students with ADHD, one of the biggest challenges in school is the struggle to stay focused. Their minds wander, they get anxious, and they have a hard time paying attention. Many of them fidget, which is seen as a symptom of the ADHD. But fidgeting and doodling may actually help some kids focus.

The theory is that nobody can focus 100% of their working memory and attention to a single task, there is always a little bit of floating attention keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. …

Researchers have found that one way that ADHD children cope with these distractions is to unconsciously give their floating attention a nice mindless task, like fidgeting, swinging and fiddling. [Source: LifeHacker]

So, rather than insisting that your child sit still and “stay focused,” take time to observe his behavior. You might find that his idle doodling is actually beneficial.

Labels: students, focus, attention

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton