ADHD Inattentive Type

The first subtype of ADHD is the inattentive type. This is the child who is often labeled the daydreamer.  One of my students that had the inattentive type forgot to take his medication at lunch time. That was the day I found out he had ADHD. I was speaking with his mom after his session and told her how he was having a hard time focusing, that he was daydreaming a lot. That was so unusual for him. That’s when she asked him if he’d taken his medication and I found out he had ADHD.

A student with inattentive type ADHD may often be found staring off into space or out the window. My son would stare at the clouds when he was playing soccer instead of paying attention to the game.

Solution 1: ADHD Inattentive Type Behavior

When your child does not listen to what others are saying? Things to do for this…

You might want to establish rules for listening (e.g., when you need to listen and ask questions if you don’t understand). Be sure to keep your rules simple and consistent. Talk about the rules often.

You may also want to set up a code for when you need to listen (e.g., make eye contact, tap their desk or shoulder, say ‘this is important so let’s all be sure to listen”, or “put your listening ears on”)

Consider your child’s age and experiences when expecting him or her to listen.

Solution 2: ADHD Inattentive Type Behavior

When your child ‘forgets’ to do things, you might want to try…

Establishing consistent rules for taking care of responsibilities. Remember, you don’t want to make too many rules because we want to set your child up for success.

Create a standard time for doing chores and the whole family can do their chores at this standard time.

Establish routines and stick with them. You can post the routines in the kitchen as well as on the bathroom mirror so your child will see them often.

Require your child to perform chores, have responsibilities, do their homework even if they ‘forgot’ to do them at the specified time. Remember, having chores and responsibilities is part of belonging to the family.

Solution 3: ADHD Inattentive Type Behavior

When your child is disorganized with their possessions, you might want to try…

Be sure they have a ‘home’ for their possessions first, then help them with categorizing their possessions and labeling the ‘homes’ for the different categories. You may also want to color code the areas to make it easier for your child to put the items away. (Using bins or shelves rather than closed boxes or drawers will help with this.)

Provide an incentive for putting their belongings away (e.g., You may watch TV or play a video game after you put your homework away or clothes away.)

Set aside time each evening when everyone in the family puts things in there ‘homes’ – proper places.