Developmental delays in children with ADHD
1School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia m.dyck@griffith.edu.au.
Journal of Attention Disorders
|April 18, 2012
Summary
Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often have comorbid developmental disorders. These co-occurring conditions impact cognitive abilities, suggesting shared origins and the need for comprehensive screening.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occurs with other developmental disorders.
- Existing assumptions often view academic, language, or motor skill deficits as secondary to ADHD.
- Alternative hypotheses suggest attention problems may be secondary to other disorders or share a common etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess for comorbid developmental disorders in children diagnosed with ADHD.
- To identify specific cognitive processes impaired in children with ADHD.
- To investigate the relationship between ADHD and other developmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 53 children with ADHD was evaluated.
- A control group of age- and sex-matched typical children was included.
- Standardized measures of intelligence, language, motor skills, social cognition, and executive functions were administered.
Main Results:
- Children with ADHD exhibited clinically significant deficits 2 to 7 times more frequently than typical children.
- The structure of abilities differed significantly between children with ADHD and controls.
- Abilities were less differentiated in children with ADHD compared to their typically developing peers.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive screening for developmental disorders is crucial for children with ADHD.
- Findings suggest a potential shared etiology between ADHD and other developmental disorders.
- Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms linking these conditions.
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