Inattentive
People with inattentive ADHD have difficulty paying attention to details, are often distracted, have difficulty organizing or completing work, and frequently forget everyday responsibilities (such as paying bills on time or returning phone calls).
The inattentive kind of ADHD is frequently undiagnosed until middle school.
Tweens entering middle school are often expected to make a smooth transition from elementary school's enclosed atmosphere to middle school's less structured mayhem. Negotiating a less organized environment in which tweens must use organization and fore planning to keep up is a major difficulty in middle school. The majority of tweens quickly adjust to their new situation after making the initial adjustment.
Tweens who struggle with organization or who find planning, much alone pre-planning, practically impossible have a hard time making this shift. Many of these tweens, with parental help and counseling, eventually adjust.
There is a subpopulation of tweens that are unable to organize themselves or stay focused. They frequently fall behind in their classes due to their inability to fulfill deadlines and/or complete homework. Parents of these tweens may mistakenly believe that their child is uninterested or lazy. This is especially perplexing for parents whose child excelled in primary school. A short glance through such a tween's notebook often reveals unfinished homework assignments, science notes in the English section, and a math worksheet crumpled up in a ball at the bottom of his rucksack.
These elements are frequently useful in other contexts. They may be well-adjusted socially and actively involved in extracurricular activities such as sports or the arts. These tweens are frequently dismissed as needing more discipline and attention in school.
If you poll the majority of these tweens, you'll hear stories of irritation and even rage. They attempt to maintain order, they want to stay focused, but their efforts appear to be in vain.
According to research, identifying children with inattentive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during the middle school years is becoming more typical. While boys are more likely to have ADHD, girls with ADHD are more likely to have the inattentive kind (i.e., without hyperactivity-impulsivity). The inattentive variety of ADHD is also more difficult to diagnose, which is why it is commonly misdiagnosed until middle school. Tweens with ADHD inattentive type have trouble staying focused, and they are frequently overlooked in elementary school, where the inclination is to focus on each classroom task for brief periods of time. The difficulties can't be identified unless these kids are forced to stay concentrated and concentrate on one thing for long periods of time. Furthermore, these children are less likely to have social troubles than children with hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD. These children are occasionally described as "spacey" by their peers, but they are rarely thought of as unpleasant or unlikable, as children with AHDH signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity are.
Tweens diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type face challenges beyond the classroom. They frequently struggle to stay organized and focused in other areas of their lives as well. Their rooms are usually disorganized and messy. It's not unusual to hear a parent of a tween complain that her child never puts anything away and has a habit of starting projects that never seem to finish.
If you check six or more of the following boxes, your tween may fulfill the criteria for ADHD inattentive type:
Pays little attention to details, especially when conducting academics or other activities. Has a proclivity for making careless errors.
Reports or is observed struggling to stay focused in class or when doing tasks that demand concentration, such as chores or games.
When addressed to, he has trouble listening.
Fails to finish schoolwork, duties, or other responsibilities.
Avoids circumstances when persistent mental focus is required, such as in class, while doing homework, or other tasks that need sustained mental effort.
Has a hard time following instructions.
Has a hard time getting or staying organized.
Has a proclivity for misplacing things, regardless of their importance.
Outside stimuli can easily distract you.
I'm prone to forgetfulness.
The ability of your tween to operate on a daily basis is the most important aspect in deciding if she matches the criteria for ADHD inattentive type.
The challenges that your tween faces will determine what you do and how you approach the situation.