Daydreaming ADHD

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Hello everyone,

We often hear parents and teachers discuss a type of behaviour in kids that tends to go under the radar. It's a concern that's not only close to my heart but is also one of the most puzzling challenges I encounter in my medical practice. What's heartbreaking is that these children are amongst the most treatable, yet often, their struggles go unnoticed and undiagnosed.

Let's delve into some real-life stories about these children to illustrate why it's so crucial to spot these signs early. You see, these kids don't cause disruptions in school; they're not the ones acting out or displaying signs of aggression. In fact, they're often quiet, keeping to themselves and not causing any trouble at home or school. But here's the catch: they tend to underperform. They're the kids whose report cards always make you think, "If only they could focus a bit more in class."

Now, some may argue that these kids are smart but simply lazy. I want to clarify that's rarely the case. They're often bright and capable but just can't seem to concentrate on their tasks, especially in a routine, monotonous classroom setting. Unlike children with other specific learning or behavioural challenges, these kids fall through the cracks because their issues are subtle.

So let's talk about ADHD—specifically, the inattentive type of ADHD. Contrary to popular belief, it's not really about being unable to focus. You might find that surprising, especially when you see these children engrossed in activities they love, like watching videos, doing arts and crafts, or even hyper-focusing on a particular hobby. The real issue is that they only focus well on things that interest them. This is because ADHD affects the brain's reward system; these kids need a significant 'hook' to engage their attention.

A typical morning with these children might look like this: Struggling to wake up, getting distracted while putting on socks, daydreaming, and then suddenly, the parent is rushing them to finish breakfast, pack their bags, and remember their sports kit. Sound familiar? Parents often end up shouldering the child's morning routine, exacerbating their frustration as they compare this to the independence of their other children.

Fast forward to the classroom: teachers notice these children daydreaming or zoning out. Some teachers might even suspect conditions like petty mal epilepsy and suggest elaborate tests. But that's a different ballgame altogether. These kids are lost in thought—thinking about dinosaurs, space adventures, or their after-school activities—because the classroom fails to engage their novelty-seeking brains.

Here's your takeaway: If this sounds like your child, don't despair. Recognising the issue is the first step towards support and effective treatment. The key is to engage them in ways that tap into their interests, providing small but meaningful rewards to sustain their attention. Also, consultation with healthcare professionals for an accurate diagnosis and tailored intervention strategies can make a world of difference.

So the next time you find yourself frustrated with your child's seeming lack of focus or their tendency to daydream, remember, they might just be one of the many stars that haven't been discovered yet. Let's help them shine.

Best wishes,
Your Friendly Paediatrician