When a child struggles to stay focused in class, the diagnosis of ADHD is sometimes quickly raised. However, as Baptiste, psychologist and neuropsychologist, points out, certain difficulties can have a very different origin: pain, poor posture or a poorly adapted writing gesture. An overall assessment remains essential to understand what is really at stake.
When difficulty concentrating masks other problems
Inattention in children is often quickly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, a video published by Baptiste, psychologist and neuropsychologist aka @le.neuropsy, sheds light on another possibility often neglected by parents and educators: the difficulty linked to fine motor skills, particularly when writing.
A revealing clinical observation
In a case presented by the specialist, a child in CM2 is suspected of suffering from ADHD by his mother and his teacher, due to his difficulty concentrating exclusively at school. Baptiste highlights a crucial element often overlooked: “I don’t like writing”. Faced with this comment, he observes the way the child holds his pen and discovers an inadequate grip causing pain in the wrist. This physical discomfort can, in fact, interrupt their attention and influence their behavior in class.
Pain and discomfort when writing are highlighted by the psychologist: “Obviously, this is not the right pen grip. We’re in total lockdown and his wrist hurts all the time.”. This shows that concentration problems are sometimes only the visible part of the iceberg and can have diverse and less obvious origins.
From symptom to cause: a holistic approach necessary
The psychologist insists on the importance of not rushing to conclude that he or she has ADHD without a thorough evaluation of the different spheres of the child’s life and his or her motor skills. As he explains, attentional difficulties can be multifactorial and often require adapted and personalized support: “This is what the mistress, the teacher, the ESH will see but it is rarely just a problem of concentration”.
Finally, it is crucial to remember, as Baptiste indicates, that the diagnosis of ADHD or any other similar disorder must be made by qualified health professionals, taking into account all aspects of the child’s development. His work as a neuropsychologist aims to evaluate cognitive functioning as part of a broader clinical reflection, in addition to other professionals concerned.
This approach highlights the importance of careful observation and multidisciplinary assessment before concluding a diagnosis of ADHD, thereby encouraging parents and educational professionals to seek potential explanations for the child’s concentration problems, beyond the most common hypotheses.