When your child's teacher or teachers contact you about the way your child acts in school and specifically wants to talk to you about attention issues they are having in class, you may feel quite worried and concerned. While many people assume that problems paying attention in class are simply bad behaviors that need to be dealt with through discipline and punishments, the reality is that a variety of physical and mental health issues could contribute to your child's attention issues. Get to know some of the possible causes of your child's problem paying attention in class so you can get them the help they need as soon as possible.  

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

One of the most common causes of trouble concentrating and paying attention in school is a condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a condition that causes a child to struggle to pay attention, focusing on one task for too long, or staying still for prolonged periods of time. 

It is considered to be a mental health condition because the brain is directly involved and behavioral changes and issues are the primary characteristics of ADHD. The brain chemistry in children with ADHD is different from that of children that do not have it. If you are concerned your child may have ADHD, you can take them to their pediatrician or a mental health professional for diagnosis. 

If your child does end up having ADHD, the treatments available include cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and/or medications. Such treatments can help your child to better manage their condition and succeed in life and school. 

Hearing Impairment

One of the most overlooked issues that can cause a child trouble with their ability to pay attention in school is hearing impairment. When your child is having trouble focusing and concentrating, you may want to consider whether they are exhibiting other symptoms and issues. Does your child listen to the TV or music extremely loudly? Do they take a long time to respond to you speaking to them or act like they are ignoring you?

If the answers to any of these questions are yes, you may want to seek out hearing test services for your child. Often, if a child has a form of hearing impairment, they do not realize that anything is wrong. They just assume that everybody struggles to hear things in the same way they do. Getting your child a hearing test can determine whether or not they have a permanent hearing impairment that requires treatment through hearing aids and other means. 

With these possible causes of your child's attention problems in school in mind, you can be sure you are doing everything you can to help your child improve their classroom behavior.