![]() Though they do share the characteristic of deep and intense concentration, in fact there is a subtle yet significant difference between them. What is Hyperfixation and How is it Different from Hyperfocus? Hyperfixation and hyperfocus are often treated as one and the same used interchangeably and perceived as synonymous. A performance improvement in the task or activity.A tendency towards hyperfocussing on enjoyable or stimulating activities.A lack of discernible awareness of things not related to the hyperfocussed task.An intense and sustained period of focus on a particular task or activity. ![]() Though there is limited medical evidence, children experiencing hyperfocus may exhibit the following symptoms: Typically, the child’s hyperfocus will end upon completion of the task that is demanding their attention – in this case, reading the comic book. ![]() For instance, a child who is hyperfocussed on their comic book may struggle to shift their attention to ‘boring’ chores. Hyperfocus as it relates to ADHD is believed to stem from low levels of dopamine (a ‘chemical messenger’ released by the brain in anticipation of a reward), which makes it challenging for the child to shift their focus onto under-stimulating tasks. On the other hand, a child who is hyperfocussed on reading a comic book is more likely to be perceived as ‘wasting time’. Depending on the nature of the activity, this hyperfocus can be deemed ‘positive’ or ‘negative’: for example, if a child is hyperfocussed on a summer project from school, spending long periods of time working on and improving it, this is likely to be viewed favourably by adults around them. It is possible to consider hyperfocus a symptomatic ‘opposite’ of distractibility. This can sometimes be misunderstood as the child ignoring the parent however it is important to remember that ADHD is not simply indifference, or a lack of attention – but rather a difficulty in directing and maintaining attention. For example, a child may be so absorbed in a smartphone game that they have great difficulty shifting their attention away from it (until the period of hyperfocus ends), even when a parent calls their name or speaks directly to them. A child who experiences hyperfocus may become so engrossed in a task that they appear to ‘block out’ anything else happening around them, until they eventually come out of this state. Understanding Hyperfocus Hyperfocus can be described as a temporary state of intense, sustained attention in a specific task or activity. With that said, this post will consider hyperfocus especially as it relates to ADHD in children. Please note: neither hyperfocus nor hyperfixation habits are exclusively ADHD-related symptoms, and links can be drawn to a number of other childhood mental health conditions, such as autism or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We’ll consider the various ways hyperfocus can affect children, before outlining some strategies to help them manage better. This is due to a relative lack of evidence supporting them as official symptoms, and the fact that not all people with ADHD experience these cognitive difficulties regulating attention.īut what is hyperfocus, and how does it affect children – particularly those with ADHD? In this blog post, we’ll examine more closely what hyperfocus is, and discuss how it differs from hyperfixation. Hyperfocus and hyperfixation can be experienced by both adults and children with ADHD, though the link is considered somewhat controversial by some medical professionals. Typically presenting symptoms are hyperactivity, fidgeting, inattentiveness, impulsivity and distractibility, among others. Insomnia, Circadian Rhythm and other Sleep DisordersĪttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which tends to develop early in childhood.Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa and other Eating Disorders.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |