What cognitive factors predict attention and reading performance?
This study explores whether working memory and response inhibition predict attention difficulties or reading capabilities in children with and without significant attention problems.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is primarily characterized by ongoing patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD may only show symptoms of inattention or symptoms hyperactivity-impulsivity, while others can have the combined type and show symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms can often interfere with functioning or development – such as socially, in school, at work, and home.
It is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood with the majority of children receiving a diagnosis during elementary school years. ADHD can continue to persist through adolescence and adulthood. Early intervention and medication can help manage the symptoms.
Overview For Parents
- There are a number of factors that can contribute to ADHD. Neurological, environmental, and genetic are possible sources for ADHD.
- Children with ADHD may be at risk for handwriting difficulties, motor difficulties, and visual inattention to the left field. Different types of interventions are needed to address these impairments.
- Although no cure exists to treat ADHD, several treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Overview For Clinicians
- Preliminary evidence suggests that the use of methylphenidate has a positive effect on the motor performance of children with ADHD.
- Practitioners should know that there is an association between ADHD symptoms and the DAT1 genotype.
- Educational and clinical interventions need to recognize distinct cognitive profiles in children with attention problems and children with reading problems, to be sure that the appropriate areas of concern are addressed.
Articles
Does genetics play an important role in ADHD?
Studies on groups of children with ADHD have shown a relationship between ADHD and a gene abnormality.
Do children with ADHD have differences in their spatial awareness of the left and right visual fields compared to children without ADHD?
Some previous studies show a link between children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a tendency to be more spatially aware on the right side vs. the left side.
What predicts problems with attention and reading performance?
Children experiencing attention difficulties display problems across a range of mental tasks, especially tasks that require working memory and response inhibition. Recent evidence suggests that these same cognitive processes are also closely related to reading ability.
Do children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder typically have handwriting difficulties?
This paper is a systematic review of the available literature on handwriting performance of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Are ADHD symptoms in childhood associated with increased risk of smoking during adolescence?
The authors conducted a research study to investigate the relationship between ADHD symptoms in childhood and smoking behaviors in adolescence.
What are the possible neurological sources of motor difficulties for children with ADHD?
Using neuro-imaging techniques (which take images of the brain), numerous studies have identified structural and functional abnormalities in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study explored three different hypotheses about the neurological sources of this disorder: cortical activation dysregulation, delayed white matter maturation, and cerebellar dysfunction.
Communities
ADHD medication and children
A guide to medication management for children with ADHD. Note that several of the medications listed are available in the USA but not in Canada; conversely there are other medications not on this list that are used in Canada.
ADHD & Kids: 9 Tips to Tame Tantrums
In here, you will find expert strategies to prevent tantrums or tame them when they start.
School Success Kit for Kids with ADHD
Tools and strategies to help manage time, stay focused, and handle homework.
3 At-Home Safety Issues for Children with ADHD and How to Prevent Injury
There are several easy steps you can take to make sure your child stays safe, even when their ADHD-related behavior is severe.
Managing Homework and After-School Activities for Kids with ADHD
For kids with ADHD balancing homework with interests in sports, music, art or other after-school activities can be a challenge. So how do you support your child and ensure he or she thrives in both school and in extracurricular activities?