Introducing various intervention methods for children who have difficulty concentrating and paying attention.

Hello, this is BCBA Kwon Min-jeong.

Helping students improve their focus and attention is a common challenge faced by many educators and parents.

Fortunately, there are a variety of evidence-based activities and interventions that can significantly improve these skills! Today, we are going to learn about various methods to increase students' concentration and attention, especially those that have been proven effective in research.

1. How to improve concentration through sensory control

Sensory integration activities help students regulate sensory processing to improve attention and reduce hyperactivity.

If you are receiving sensory integration therapy in Korea or Occupational Therapy in the United States, you are likely already helping your child through various sensory play.

Today, I would like to introduce products that can help children and adults who are experiencing sensory difficulties at home.

<Sensory Blanket and Vest>

Sensory vests and blankets provide deep body pressure and are known to calm the nervous system and improve concentration. This product is helpful not only for children, but also for teenagers and adults.

Studies published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy show that sensory vests are effective in reducing distraction and enhancing on-task behavior in children with ADHD ( read the study ).

On the other hand, there are studies that show that it is not effective in improving actual concentration or task performance . Still, all the papers seem to claim that overall it helps children calm down and get a good night's sleep .

It is said that the blanket or vest should be 5-10% of the weight of the child, student, or adult, and even though it does not improve concentration and task performance, the child receives sensory help and has a calming effect, so I had similar concerns. It would be a good idea to consult with a teacher who knows your child well.

2. How to develop self-regulation skills through mindfulness and meditation

Recently , methods to improve attention and emotional control through mindfulness and meditation techniques have become increasingly popular in the United States...! A huge body of research shows that mindfulness and meditation directly help with stress, attention, and concentration in students with ADHD ( read the study ).

It may be for a similar reason that famous hospitals, such as UC Davis Mind Institute, famous for its ESDM Training program, or Vanderbuilt University, which is truly famous in the US for developmental disabilities, special education, and ABA, already offer mindfulness programs.

<Guided Meditation>

How about using an app or guided session to help both parents and children learn meditation techniques that can help children strengthen their attention and emotional control?

Vanderbuilt University Guided Meditation Link: https://youtu.be/Xo3PetVUcIc?si=otHWQ6qpugxcLh_q

3. Improve concentration and attention through structured physical activity!

Participating in structured physical activities that stimulate your senses and get your body moving can help improve your focus and attention.

If you've ever been to therapy, you've probably heard things like hike a lot, walk a lot, and walk a lot. Today, I brought only exercises that have been proven in good journals to be effective in improving concentration and attention.

<Swimming>

Swimming is said to help overall cognitive development by improving emotional control and concentration. When half of 40 children diagnosed with ADHD took structured swimming classes for 12 weeks, they showed increased cognitive development, improved behavior, and increased literacy skills compared to the other half who did not take swimming classes ( read the study ).

Kyung Hee University also published a similar paper ( read the study) . Rats with ADHD have higher levels of activity, impulsivity, and aggressive behavior than control rats, and their short-term memory is lower than that of control rats. However, when swimming exercise was performed, it was observed that hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggressive behavior were suppressed and short-term memory damage was alleviated in ADHD rats .

<Rock climbing>

I wanted to find a paper on the effect of hiking on the attention span of children and teenagers, but I couldn't find a paper on the effect of hiking directly on the attention span of children (if anyone knows, please let me know!).

Among the studies published in good papers, there were some that showed the effects of "rock climbing", so I brought them.

When 10 adolescents with ASD participated in climbing activities for 4 weeks, 6 children's attention test scores increased ( read the study ). Although statistically significant numbers could not be found, all parents who participated in the program said that they noticed an improvement in their overall behavior in daily life.

4. ABA behavioral intervention!

An essential ABA intervention method! Haha, I'm going to end today's blog by introducing just one ABA technique that can effectively improve attention and concentration.

<Token Economy>

Earning tokens for each desired behavior and allowing the child to collect the tokens and exchange them for a desired reward greatly improves children's attention span.

Recently, there are many teachers who are introducing a token system using apps to improve children's concentration ( read the study ). It is said that apps are actually very helpful, so please actively use them at home as well ;)

More app recommendations>> link

To improve concentration and attention in students with ADHD and ASD, a multifaceted approach that integrates sensory activities, mindfulness techniques, structured physical activities, and behavioral strategies appears necessary.

It would be great to help our children develop the skills they need for academics and everyday life by successfully incorporating evidence-based methods into their routines.

Have you tried any of the activities introduced today with your children? Please share your experience in the comments :)