Lack of concentration/focus in 8 yr old

[CEDP]

Apologies first - this might be a bit long. DS1 is 8 and basically a bright, curious, switched on boy. He is bilingual and attends a fairly academic international school (we live in Germany). The problem is that he cannot (or will not) concentrate on anything other than reading and TV/DVD/Wii for more than about 10 minutes. This is becoming a real issue at school where he just switches off and looks out of the window/draws pictures/chats etc. rather than doing whatever is required. He is also supremely disorganised - always forgetting books at school, forgetting homework, losing coats, hats, books.... The teachers are frustrated because they know he CAN do everything, he just DOESN'T. We are just as frustrated for the same reasons. Any suggestions for increasing focus, concentration etc.?

do you sense any physical or emotional signs of frustration when he swtiches off at around or just before the 10 minute mark?

No, he just starts doing something else. Apparently he got up in the middle of a maths test and started walking around "because my brain needs air" - teacher not amused. I have seen his exercise books and tests - he just seems to take a break and start doodling or drawing pictures.

Do they have the equivelent of a SENCO in Germany ? Someone at school who can help him with his focus ... or simply give him the 'time out' he needs. Some kids just can't cope with sitting, listening, writing or reading for longer periods. How is he at home ?

My son has exactly the same problem, he is 9. I have been in contact with speech and language people, and all sorts of other sprcialists. He has literally just started to improve after about 3 years. They have found if they let him fiddle with a pen or pencil he concentrates much better. Also if they get him to move around every 10/15 minutes (take a pencil to your tray etc) then he will sit back down and concentrate for a further 10/15 minutes.

Might be more than that but my son is definately better, and has picked up in his subjects (dramatically better).