Variability of Attention Processes in ADHD Observations From the Classroom

    Authors

    M. D. Rapport; M. J. Kofler; R. M. Alderson; T. M. Timko;G. J. DuPaul

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Atten. Disord.

    Keywords

    ADHD; vigilance; attention; variability; on task; DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER; CONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE-TEST; DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER; SUSTAINED ATTENTION; DSM-IV; VIGILANCE; TASK; LATENT CLASS; CHILDREN; POPULATION; BEHAVIOR; Psychology, Developmental; Psychiatry

    Abstract

    Objective: Classroom- and laboratory-based efforts to study the attentional problems of children with ADHD are incongruent in elucidating attentional deficits; however, none have explored within-or between-minute variability in the classroom attentional processing in children with ADHD. Method: High and low attention groups of ADHD children defined via cluster analysis, and 36 typically developing children, were observed while completing academic assignments in their general education classrooms. Results: All children oscillated between attentive and inattentive states; however, children in both ADHD groups switched states more frequently and remained attentive for shorter durations relative to typically developing children. Conclusion: Overall differences in attention and optimal ability to maintain attention among the groups are consistent with laboratory studies of increased ADHD-related interindividual and intergroup variability but inconsistent with laboratory results of increased intra-individual variability and attention decrements over time. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 12(6) 563-573)

    Journal Title

    Journal of Attention Disorders

    Volume

    12

    Issue/Number

    6

    Publication Date

    1-1-2009

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    563

    Last Page

    573

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000276690300009

    ISSN

    1087-0547

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