Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder that affects the behaviour or development of young children. Children suffering from ADHD show signs of inattention, overactivity or impulsiveness. Many children with ADHD can’t explain why they might feel out of control sometimes or very lonely.
The normal attention span of children usually develops in 3 stages. They go from focussing on only 1 object for a very long time, to developing a wide but quick attention span, and finally they reach the selective attention stage where they can willingly shift their focus. The last stage is important for the child to work in a classroom setting. ADHD is more common in boys than girls, and children with ADHD start to develop symptoms before they turn 7 years old.