A simple definition ofattention and concentration: the amount of time a person can pay attention to a stimulus without any change is called the amount of attention. Sometimes the duration of attention is short and sometimes there is a need for continuous and longer attention to a stimulus, but sometimes this process is problematic in children.

In this article, we explain attention and concentration deficits and the role of speech therapy and We evaluate occupational therapy in improving attention deficit.

Due to the emergence of technology in new dimensions, diverse social media with different capabilities and practical applications, the range of human attention has decreased more than ever before. The average human attention span is only 8 seconds.
Although the human attention span has decreased, the speed of our interactions has greatly increased and in a short period of time we read the news with a short glance and like it,

We post our comment and we do this for several other news as well. But it seems that over the years, the reduction of the attention span has caused the brain to process information faster.

An office worker checks their phone on average 30 times an hour and an average person 150 times a day. These activities have created a special feature in humans, and that is trying to find the fastest possible path in finding answers to their questions and needs.

Instead of reading an entire text or watching an entire speech or movie, we are looking for detailed information packages. This style is called micro learning, but on the other hand, if the development of attention and concentration in childhood is disturbed, not only fast processing will not happen, but also the possibility of learning. And effective communication is also disrupted.

Do you know the effects of attention and concentration problems in children?

1-Speech-mental problems, for example:

• The child is talking about another topic in the middle of the conversation.
• The child jumps in the middle of your speech to say his own thing that has nothing to do with the topic.
• In the middle of telling a story, instead of continuing the story, the child pays attention to details that are not necessary.
• The child does not respect the turn.
• Instead of answering your question, the child raises another topic.
• The child is weak in paying attention and concentrating on the generalities of the subject.
• The child has a weakness in drawing conclusions from a subject.

2- Learning and academic problems.

3-Self-confidence problems.

4-Communication problems.

Attention is one of the important factors in the growth and development of children's speech and language. To express an idea or feeling, communication between two or more people, we often need attention. On the other hand, children who have attention problems,

They may have speech problems. For example, children who cannot concentrate may not be able to articulate speech properly or may not be able to properly listen and respond to information being given to them. For this reason, paying attention to the development of children's attention and concentration abilities can facilitate the improvement of their speaking skills.

Which area of the brain affects attention and concentration?

Attention is a complex cognitive process that is controlled over time by several brain regions. If we have "selective attention" and focus our attention on a specific task, areas of the brain known as the "center of attention" are activated. These areas are:

1-frontal cortex:

This area is located at the top of the brain and is used for planning, decision-making and executive control of tasks.

2-motor cortex:

This area is located in the back areas of the frontal cortex and is related to controlling the movement of hands and feet and other body parts.

3- auditory cortex:

This area is located in the back of the brain and near the ear and is used to process auditory information.

4-Visual cortex:

This area is located in the middle areas of the brain and is used to process visual information.

5-parietal cortex:

This area is located in the central area of the brain and is related to the processing of the sensitivities of the left and right side of the body.

6-Broca's area:

This area is located in the back of the brain and is used to control body posture and balance. This part of the brain is located in the front part of the cerebral cortex and in the left temporal region. This area plays an important role in language production and is necessary for the speech process and language production.

7- basal ganglia of the brain

The basal ganglia of the brain or basal ganglia also play an important role in attention and concentration. These brain structures are used to regulate voluntary movements as well as to regulate unconscious attention and concentration.

Basal ganglia are a set of brain structures that are located in the deep part of the brain and near the thalamus nuclei.

For example, if you are doing a task and trying to pay attention to something else at the same time, the basal ganglia will help you focus your attention on that task and do the job properly.

8-MLF channel (Medial Longitudinal Fasciculus)

It is one of the important communication paths between the cerebellum and central nervous nuclei, which is related to eye movements and balance and coordination of body movements.

This channel inside the brain starts from the brain thalamus area, moves forward and finally reaches the vessels that are connected to the retina. The MLF channel plays an important role in controlling eye movements and coordinating eye movements. This channel communicates between different central nervous nuclei such as the eighth nucleus, the nucleus of the first nerve, and the nuclei of the optic nerve and coordinates the movements of the two eyes.

For example, when seeing an object, this channel helps you coordinate your two eyes and pay attention to the desired object. In addition, the MLF channel also plays a role in controlling balance and coordination of body movements, and it coordinates movements between the left and right brain hemispheres.

Since our eyes are one of the main tools for receiving sensory information from the surrounding environment, its movements are very important, so MLF plays an important role in attention and concentration, and in particular, this nervous system helps to coordinate eye movements in the process of reading, following an object, or focusing on a specific point.

10-multisensory attention

In "multi-sensory attention" information received from several different senses (such as sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste) is needed, and this coordination helps to have a better understanding of the surrounding environment.

So we can conclude that sensory channels play an important role in attention and concentration. In fact, the information received from sensory channels helps the brain to direct attention to important and needed subjects.

In general, keep this point in mind; What subject we focus our attention on at any moment has an effect on brain activity and attention performance.

Damage to any brain area causes what problems in attention and concentration?

Each area of the brain has its own functions and damage to any of these areas can affect people's attention and concentration in different ways. In general, the problems that damage to different areas of the brain can cause in attention and concentration are:

• Damage to the frontal cortex can cause reduced attention, inability to plan and make decisions, and reduced executive abilities. Damage to the motor cortex of the brain can reduce the ability to control movement and perform complex tasks.
• Damage to the auditory cortex of the brain can reduce auditory attention and understanding of sounds.
• Damage to the visual cortex of the brain can cause a decrease in visual attention and concentration and understanding of images.
• Damage to the sensory cortex of the brain can cause a decrease in sensory attention and understanding of sensations.
• Damage to the spinal cord of the brain can reduce attention and focus on controlling voluntary movements and regulating muscle tone.

In general, damage to any area of the brain can reduce a person's cognitive and neurological abilities, and these abilities include attention and concentration.

What are the age stages of attention development in children?

The development of attention in children is a long and complex process, and during it, children find different abilities related to attention and concentration. Below, we explain to you the age stages of attention development in children:

- From birth to 3 months:

At this stage, the child gains the ability to make eye contact with the people around him and gradually begins to focus on things that are in his field of vision.

- From 3 to 6 months:

At this stage, children gain more ability to make eye contact with people around them and improve their ability to focus on objects and people around them.

- from 6 to 9 months:

At this stage, children increase their desire to make eye contact with the people around them and improve their ability to focus on objects and people around them. In fact, at this stage, the child's awareness of people and the environment increases, and they gain a greater ability to recognize objects and objects around them, and in fact, the beginning of conscious recognition and attention that started from the previous stage emerges.

- from 9 to 12 months:.

At this stage, in addition to improving the previous stages, the child should play simple games with more concentration.

- from 1 to 2 years old:

At this stage, the child is more able to focus on games and simple activities, and they improve their ability to make eye contact with the people around them.

- from 2 to 3 years old:

At this stage, children are more able to focus on complex activities and can pay attention to a joint activity for several minutes. Also, they have more ability to make eye contact with the people around them.

Finally, it should be noted that all children are different at different stages of development, in the speed and manner of their progress, and their development should be considered according to their specific needs.

Attention deficit is seen in what children?

Attention deficit can be seen in any child, but some children have more attention deficit due to various reasons and are known as people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, although keep in mind that attention deficit is sometimes seen alone and without hyperactivity. This disorder may be hereditary or due to environmental factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, or the use of drugs or excessive use of digital devices. In addition, children with disorders such as autism, learning disorders, anxiety disorders, and people with visual disabilities may suffer from attention deficit.

What are the ways to improve a child's attention and concentration?

To improve the child's attention, there are several strategies that you can use:

1- Encouraging the child to look

Encourage the child to look into your eyes: This can help the child focus his attention on you.

2-Response to the child's look:

When the child looks at you, smile at him and talk to him.

3-Using concentration games:

Games that require concentration can help a child to focus more. Examples of these games include puzzles, puzzle games, and fantasy games.

4-stimulating the sense of sight:

By showing happy and colorful pictures, you can stimulate the child's sense of sight and help him focus more.

5- Presentation of attention exercise:

For children with attention deficit, attention exercises can be helpful. These exercises can include activities such as finding differences between pictures, counting objects in a picture, or solving simple puzzles.

6- Referral to experts:

If you have concerns about your child's attention, it is better to consult with experts. These people can guide you and offer solutions to improve your child's attention.

Paying attention to the development of children's attention and concentration can improve speaking skills and facilitate the child's learning.

The best time to start working on attention deficit depends on the severity and type of attention deficit. In general, early interventions can improve children's behavior and attention abilities.

If you see problems with your child's attention and concentration, it is better to see a pediatrician or psychiatrist so that you can find the best solution to help your child. Speech therapist and occupational therapist can help you in treating and fixing this injury.

What is the role of speech therapy in improving the child's attention and concentration?

Speech therapy is one of the treatment methods to improve children's speech, language and communication skills. Speech therapy can also facilitate improving children's attention and concentration. For example, speech therapy can improve a child's ability to focus and pay attention by providing exercises to improve listening abilities.

Also, speech therapy can strengthen the communication between the child and others by providing exercises to improve children's language and speech skills, and facilitate the improvement of the child's behavior and speech abilities. Speech therapy may include exercises to improve listening abilities, concentration and attention, pronunciation, expression, language comprehension, reading and writing abilities, and communication abilities. Therefore, speech therapy can be recognized as an effective treatment method to improve attention and concentration of children with attention problems.

What is the role of occupational therapy in improving a child's attention and concentration?

Occupational therapy works as an effective method to improve attention and concentration of children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. This therapeutic process includes exercises to improve listening skills and improving visual skills and concentration and attention. In general, occupational therapy programs can help children improve their communication, social, and attention skills.

Also, other treatments such as drug treatment, psychotherapy and nutrition can be effective in improving children's attention and concentration. با این حال، برای انتخاب بهترین روش درمانی برای کودکان، بهتر است با پزشک یا متخصصین توانبخشی مثل کاردرمانگر و گفتاردرمانگر مشورت کنید .
اگر نیاز کودک خود را تشخیص دهید با مداخله‌ی به هنگام باعث رشد و تقویت ذهنی و کلامی کودک می‌شوید.

کلینیک گفتاردرمانی و کاردرمانی آبا با بیش از بیست سال سابقه‌ی درمانی به کودکان شما جهت رفع مشکل توجه و تمرکز کمک می‌نماید.تشخیص به موقع کلید اصلی برای کمک به کودکتان است.
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کلمات کلیدی:توجه و تمرکز ،نقص توجه و تمرکز، گفتاردرمانی، کاردرمانی