Attention Functions and Deficits in Children

Attention is essential for most, if not all, information processing pathway that transforms stimulus input into response output. Attention is comprised of multiple components and is not a unitary construct. Attention disorders are among the most prevalent varieties of childhood disorders and result in adverse long-term outcomes such as antisocial behavior and poor academic performance. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) was the most common cause of attention deficit in children. ADHD may be one of the most common childhood mental health conditions in the world. The cause of most ADHD cases is unknown; however, it is believed to involve interactions between genetic, environmental and psychosocial factors. The purpose of the current review paper was to review the literature about the attention functions and its deficits in children to provide a rational basis for the implementation of appropriate assessment and therapeutic intervention.