A common diagnosis attributed with poor attention span is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is found in 3 to 5 percent of children, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Children suffering from this disorder tend to stay away from activities that require longer periods of concentration. While learning disabilities are a concern linked to this, the average attention span has been on the decline since the 19th century. A common disinterest in reading and shorter forms of literature (such as the graphic novel) have resulted in shorter attention spans, according to a 2007 article in The University News. David R. Godine Inc. reported that only 32 percent of Americans have entered a bookstore, and Publishers Weekly noted that an individual reads for only 2.1 hours a month.
While there is no certain cause of learning disabilities, three contributing factors have been pinpointed. The first is the tendency for learning disabilities to be passed through family members. The second is brain development that occurs before birth and as a young child; trauma during these times can be linked to learning disabilities. The third is not receiving proper nutrition early on in life or being exposed to toxins in the environment.
Treatments for ADHD specifically include any combination of medication, behavioral therapy or education. A local mental health center can provide these or other solutions. For children who develop at a slower pace or have another learning disability, support from a parent or guardian is encouraging and builds self-confidence. Helpguide suggests that raising self-confidence is essential to children who struggle in front of their peers and teachers; you can develop this confidence by discussing strengths and weaknesses.