When your child struggles to focus: what to notice before an assessment

A teacher says your child often leaves work unfinished. At home, the same child can concentrate on a favourite game for a long time. Both observations are useful. Write down what happens during ordinary tasks and what changes when the task is shorter, clearer or more interesting. Ask the teacher for specific examples. Does the difficulty show up during reading, instructions, independent work or transitions? At home, note when it happens, how long it has been going on and how it affects schoolwork, friendships or family routines. Bring school feedback and mention any changes in sleep, stress or learning demands. A clinician may ask about behaviour in more than one setting and consider other explanations, including sleep difficulties, anxiety and learning problems. While you arrange an assessment, try one clear instruction at a time and break longer tasks into shorter steps. Note whether those changes help and share what you learn at the appointment.