Children with deficits in attention, motor control and perception (DAMP) almost grown up: general health at 16 years

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Deficits in Attention, Motor Control, and Perception (DAMP) are often diagnosed in early childhood.
• Long-term outcomes for individuals with DAMP are not fully understood.
• Understanding developmental trajectories is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the 10-year outcomes for children diagnosed with DAMP in early childhood.
• To compare the long-term health, behavioral, and developmental status of DAMP children with controls.
• To identify specific challenges faced by individuals with early-onset DAMP.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study followed a representative cohort of 101 children from general population.
• Participants were originally diagnosed at 6-7 years of age and followed up at 16-17 years.
• Data collected included substance abuse, accidents, motor skills, physical growth, and reaction time.

Main Results:

• The DAMP group exhibited a significant excess of substance abuse, fractures, and accidents.
• Motor coordination problems, clumsiness, and height/weight issues were more prevalent in the DAMP group.
• Longer complex visual reaction times were observed in the DAMP group, particularly in boys.

Conclusions:

• Children with early attention and clumsiness problems (DAMP) face considerably poorer 10-year outcomes.
• Persistent developmental and behavioral challenges are associated with childhood DAMP.
• Early identification and intervention for DAMP may mitigate long-term negative consequences.