This webinar for parents/carers will explore why shifting attention can be difficult for autistic and ADHD children and young people
Why can some children and young people find it difficult to stop an activity, move away from an interest or switch to something else – even when they know what is expected of them?
This webinar explores monotropism, a way of understanding how attention can become deeply focused on one thing at a time. It can be a helpful way of understanding some autistic experiences of attention, including for people who are both autistic and have ADHD.
Deep focus can be a positive and enjoyable experience. Children and young people may become very absorbed in an interest or activity, sometimes experiencing what is often described as hyperfocus or flow. At the same time, moving attention away from something that is highly engaging can take significant effort.
For some children and young people, this may help explain why transitions can be difficult. They may find it hard to stop playing, leave the house, come away from a screen, move between lessons, start a new task or respond to a request when deeply focused on something else. This is not necessarily about choosing not to cooperate or being deliberately difficult.
In this webinar we will explore:
- What monotropism means and how it may relate to autistic children and young people who may also have ADHD.
- How deep focus and intense interests can affect everyday life
- Why shifting attention can sometimes take time and energy
- How transitions may feel and look different for different children and young people
- How sensory experiences, emotions, tiredness and other demands can affect transitions
- Why a child or young person may appear not to be listening, ignoring a request or refusing to move on when they are deeply focused
- Practical ways parents and carers can support transitions
- How we can reduce unnecessary demands and give children and young people the time and support they need to shift their attention
We will use real-life examples and practical ideas to help you think about what may work for your child or young person.
The webinar is not about changing the way a child or young person naturally focuses. Instead, we will consider how understanding their experience can help us reduce stress, make transitions more manageable and work with their strengths and needs.
You do not need to have any previous knowledge of monotropism to attend. The session is for parents and carers of autistic and/or ADHD children and young people, including those who are waiting for assessment or exploring whether their child may be neurodivergent.
Dr. Wenn Lawson is a British psychologist, qualified social worker, researcher, author, speaker and poet, bringing together professional expertise and lived experience of neurodivergence. He is a key theorist of Monotropism Theory and is passionate about improving understanding of autism, challenging misconceptions and ensuring autistic voices are at the heart of research and practice.
With particular interests in masking, late autism recognition and autistic mental health, Dr. Wenn offers a unique perspective that is both informative and deeply personal. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, reflect and develop a deeper understanding of autism from someone with extensive experience in the field.
We hope you’ll join us!