ADHD

Since the pandemic, many parents and pediatricians have worried about the ramifications of virtual school and an increase in screen time. Pre-pandemic studies have shown that screen time can cause a constant need to be stimulated, and reduce a child's attention span.

Imagine a child who is used to watching a television show or YouTube Kids all day on their tablet. When parents try to engage that child in different activities like a puzzle or board game, they may find it difficult to get and keep the child's attention. Physiologically, that child has to slow their brain down and try to sit still to focus in this more “mundane” environment. They may be fidgety, restless, lose attention, or keep getting up to move.

Parents always ask me as a Canton pediatrician if their child can be diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) or what the process is to get a diagnosis. Usually, I will have the child’s parents fill out questionnaires that I use as a diagnostic for ADHD and concurrent conditions like anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, and learning disabilities. The child’s teachers are also requested to fill out these questionnaires. Both questionnaires are then given a score to see where the child falls in the spectrum of inattentiveness vs. hyperactivity. If the child does score as positive in one of these categories, I develop a custom plan for that child to ensure they have the support and resources they need to thrive. This plan can include anything from classroom modifications with seating, testing time, and class assistance to therapy and medications.

All in all, we are seeing a future generation that needs to be constantly visually stimulated by screens to enjoy their time. The constant need to be entertained from a screen can lead to detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Time will tell with future studies how the COVID-19 pandemic may correlate to more pediatric patients being diagnosed with ADHD.

If you think your child is having symptoms of ADHD, please contact your pediatrician.

Dr. Sana Syed

Photo by Lavi Perchik on Unsplash