The neuropsychology of attention deficit disorders in children

Attention disorders in children are increasingly recognized as a problem which mental health workers may be called upon to assess and take steps to remediate. Relevant neuropsychological research on attention disorders in children is reviewed in this article and guidelines for the assessment of attention disorders through observation, testing, and error analysis are provided. A general remedial strategy based on the notion of giving the affected child enhanced internal and external cues as reminders to come to attention, to sustain attention, or to return to attention when distracted is proposed. Approaches for making recommendations to other mental health workers, parents, and teachers are discussed.