Attention issues in children are complex and can vary widely. While some children may seem daydreamy and inattentive, others are restless and impulsive. What causes these differences? In many cases, attention problems can be traced back to distinct patterns in brain function. Understanding these underlying patterns can help us better support children with unique attention challenges.
In this post, we’ll explore different types of attention issues—like inattention, hyperfixation, and extreme hyperfixation - and how each relates to specific brain dominances or imbalances. By understanding “bossy” and “timid” tendencies in the right brain, left brain, and limbic system, we can start to decode children’s behavior and identify the type of support they need.
Brain Dominances and Imbalances: Understanding "Bossy" and "Timid" Tendencies
The brain can have either a "bossy" or "timid" tendency in specific regions, which influences behavior. Here’s a quick look at what these terms mean:
“Bossy Brain Tendencies”: A “bossy” brain region is overactive or highly dominant in behavior. For example, a bossy right brain might make a child overly imaginative or distracted by big ideas, while a bossy left brain could result in a child being rigid and hyper-focused on details.
“Timid Brain Tendencies”: A “timid” brain region, on the other hand, is underactive or less engaged. A timid right brain may make it hard for a child to grasp big-picture concepts, while a timid left brain could result in struggles with sequencing and detailed work.
Let’s break down how these tendencies appear in the right brain, left brain, and limbic system, and how they contribute to common attention challenges.
Types of Attention Issues and Brain Tendencies
1. Right Brain Dominance – Associated with ADD, Dyslexia, and "Daydreamer" Behaviors
“Bossy Right Brain”: Children with a dominant right brain may appear dreamy or "out there." They may seem engaged in their amazing imagination but struggle with details, sequences, and verbalizing their thoughts. This leads to difficulties focusing on school tasks that require attention to detail and communicating with others. They may drift off, imagine vivid stories, and seem disconnected from their surroundings. They often struggle with time concepts and decision making.
Common Traits: Frequently daydreaming, missing instructions, procrastinating, struggling with organization, and being easily distracted by “clouds and unicorns” (a metaphor for drifting thoughts).
2. Left Brain Dominance – Associated with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Behaviors, and Hyper-Focus
“Bossy Left Brain”: Children with a bossy left brain tend to hyper-focus on specific details or activities, often at the expense of seeing the bigger picture. They may be rigid, inflexible, and highly logical, sometimes struggling with social nuances. These children have a hard time sustaining focus, especially in unstructured or open-ended tasks.
Common Traits: Excessive focus on routines or details, impulsive reactions, difficulty adapting to change, and a tendency toward behaviors described as "squirrels" (quick, erratic movements and focus shifts that give them a dopamine rush).
3. Limbic System Dominance – Associated with Emotional Regulation Issues, ODD, OCD
“Bossy Limbic Brain”: Children with problems balancing their right and left brains, develop a dominant limbic system and rely on emotions as a bridge between the right and left brain. This dominance can result in heightened emotional responses, mood swings, and challenges with impulse control. It can also lead to repetitive or obsessive behaviors, as the child seeks comfort in predictable routines.
Common Traits: Frequent outbursts, strong emotional reactions, repetitive behaviors, and struggles with transitions or disruptions to routines.
Checklist: In the classroom or at home, children’s attention issues often fall into patterns that are linked to brain tendencies. Recognizing these patterns can be the first step to understanding what type of attention support a child may need.
Checklist: Identifying Attention Issues in Your Child
Here’s a simple checklist that parents and teachers can use to identify attention issues and link them to brain tendencies:
Right Brain Dominance (ADD, Dyslexia, "Clouds and Unicorns")
Frequently daydreams or seems “lost in thought”
Easily distracted by things in the environment
Has difficulty organizing tasks or completing multi-step instructions
Struggles with details, sequencing, or logical tasks
Enjoys creative activities but avoids structured assignments
Left Brain Dominance (ADHD, Autism Spectrum, "Squirrels")
Hyper-focuses on certain tasks or interests, sometimes missing the big picture
Has strong preferences for routine and may react poorly to change
Impulsive and prone to quick shifts in attention (become hyperfocused on everything all at once)
Struggles with social cues and understanding others’ perspectives
Detail-oriented, sometimes overly so, leading to frustration with ambiguity
Limbic Dominance (Emotional Regulation Issues, ODD, OCD)
Reacts emotionally or impulsively to situations
Struggles with regulating mood and may experience frequent outbursts
Finds comfort in repetitive behaviors or routines
Has difficulty adapting to new situations or unexpected changes
Often displays heightened anxiety, worry, or mood swings
If you check multiple items in one category, your child might benefit from targeted support that aligns with their unique attention patterns.
Supporting Your Child’s Unique Attention Needs
Understanding the different types of attention issues can make it easier to support your child effectively. Instead of viewing these challenges as "problems," recognize them as natural variations in brain development that require a tailored approach.
At Arizona Vision Therapy Center, we specialize in identifying and treating these unique attention patterns. Our programs are designed to support balanced brain development, helping children thrive by engaging both sides of the brain and fostering emotional regulation.
If you have questions or want to learn more about our programs, contact us at 520-886-8800 or visiontherapy@live.com.
By Amy Thomas, OD, FCOVD – Neurocognitive Optometrist
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