Interval length and time-use by children with AD/HD: a comparison of four models

J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2002 Jun;30(3):257-64. doi: 10.1023/a:1015154829796.

Abstract

Predictions made by 4 competing models of time use by children with AD/HD were tested using a computerized version of the Matching Familiar Figures Test in 2 studies. In Study 1 teacher-identified AD/HD children (N = 10) and non-AD/HD controls (N = 10) completed the task under 3 different trial duration conditions (5, 10, and 15 s). In Study 2 the same task was completed by a group of children with a diagnosis of Hyperkinetic Disorder (N = 12) and controls (N = 12). In both studies AD/HD children performed poorly on trials of both 5- and 15-s duration but as well as controls on the 10-s trials. This quadratic function provided support for the State Regulation Deficit model of time use in AD/HD. The value of tailoring the temporal features of learning contexts to the conceptual style of AD/HD children is discussed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Child
  • Cognition*
  • England
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Time Management*