Childhood attention problems can lead to later life disadvantage

By William Smith

A child who suffers from attention difficulties can find life bewildering and difficult. It can take many years to get a diagnosis of the exact condition which such a child is experiencing. Life can be hard for such a child and for their family as they cope with the day to day difficulties that can arise from conditions such as ADHD, Autism and Asperger Syndrome. A recent French study takes a look at some of the difficulties which can arise when children with attention difficulties may face.

The study suggests that children who have serious attention problems are three times more likely to experience socio-economic disadvantage in adulthood. Furthermore they are more likely to be in lower grade employment and are less likely to be university educated.

The study was led by Dr Cedric Galera of the University of Bordeaux. The study findings are published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. It finds that childhood attention problems appear to be a ‘potent early risk factor’ for low socio-economic position in adulthood.

The study assessed 1,103 participants to determine whether they had any attention problems. The participants were aged between 4 and 16. The researchers then conducted a follow-up assessment 18 years later. The participants were asked to report on their educational attainment, employment situation and their type of occupation.

The researchers found that:

48% of the participants who had high levels of childhood attention problems had a low socio-economic status in adulthood
Only 14% of those with high levels of childhood attention problems had a high socio-economic status
34% of those with low levels of childhood attention problems had a high socio-economic status
57% of those with a high level of childhood attention problems were employed in low-grade occupations
34% of those without attention problems had low-grade occupations

The link between childhood attention problems and socio-economic disadvantage can be explained in several ways, the researchers believe. Dr Galera said ‘At an early stage, attention problems are likely to contribute to academic underachievement, possible due to the child’s behavioural symptoms but also to other problems such as learning disabilities or language disorders. Although attention problems tend to decrease with age, difficulties with inattention, poor concentration, distractibility and emotional impulsiveness may persist into adulthood and lead to poor work performance and difficulties in relationships with work colleagues.’

There needs to be more support for young people with attention difficulties, both before they leave school and when starting work, the researchers say. ‘Vocational assessment and work preparation could be worthwhile for children with attention problems, and clinicians, parents, teachers and career counsellors should help youths with attention problems choose academic and occupational paths that match their strengths and weaknesses. And occupational adjustments in the workplace could help people optimise their abilities and minimise difficulties,’ Dr Galera concluded.