Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is mainly characterized by hyperactivity, tendency to be impulsive as well as having difficulties focusing on a task. As these behaviors are common in toddlers, it is difficult for psychologists to diagnose ADHD at this age.
However, it has been found that children who have ADHD are often much less prepared for school than peers of the same age without the disorder. Since ADHD is difficult to diagnose in preschoolers, many of them are not receiving treatment until they are experiencing many difficulties in school.
A research study was conducted to analyze how ready children with ADHD are for school. 93 children who are about 4 to 5 years old were involved in this study. 45 of these children were part of the ADHD group, while the other 48 children did not have ADHD. Researchers assessed the functioning of these children by measuring their physical well-being, motor skills, social and emotional development, learning approaches as well as their cognition.
The data collected suggested that while children in the ADHD group were equally likely to show cognitive impairment as the children in the non-ADHD group, they showed impairment in the other areas. The children are deemed not ready for school if they showed impairment in two or more out of the five areas that were assessed. This shows that most children who have ADHD are much less prepared for school than their peers who do not have ADHD.
Results of the study indicate the need to help pediatricians identify children who might have ADHD and are facing difficulties in school. Additionally, there should be greater access to treatment methods such as behavioral therapy for children wit ADHD.
Category(s):Child and/or Adolescent Issues, Child Development
Source material from Science Daily
