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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and preschool children
Mary Beth Armstrong1, Sandra K Nettleton
1Communication Science and Disorders, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, Alabama 35115, USA. armstrom@montevallo.edu
Seminars in Speech and Language
|September 11, 2004
Summary
Research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers shows a focus on medication, with limited studies on other interventions, especially for language-impaired children. More research is needed for effective ADHD assessment and speech-language pathology interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting preschool children.
- Existing research on pediatric ADHD predominantly emphasizes pharmacological interventions.
- There is a significant gap in understanding and addressing ADHD in preschool children with co-occurring language impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on ADHD in preschool children.
- To identify research trends and limitations in ADHD intervention for this age group.
- To explore implications for speech-language pathology assessment and intervention.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of ADHD in preschool children.
- Analysis of research focusing on intervention approaches.
- Examination of studies addressing language impairments in preschoolers with ADHD.
Main Results:
- The majority of research focuses on pharmacological treatments for preschool ADHD.
- Limited studies investigate non-pharmacological interventions for ADHD in this population.
- Scant literature specifically addresses the characteristics and treatment of language-impaired preschoolers with ADHD.
Conclusions:
- Current ADHD research for preschoolers is heavily skewed towards medication, neglecting other therapeutic avenues.
- There is a critical need for more research on comprehensive assessment and intervention strategies for preschool ADHD, particularly for those with language deficits.
- Speech-language pathologists require further guidance to effectively support preschoolers with ADHD, suggesting a focus on pragmatic, social, and emergent literacy skills based on existing data.