The regulatory function of language in children with attention deficit
Date
2001
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Abstract
"Studied the role of language in regulating activity levels in 30 male and female children (mean age 5.4 yrs) with %ADHD% and 30 male and female children (mean age 5.5 yrs) in Mexico. Data on sociodemographic variables, behavior, activity levels, and language were obtained by observation and semistructured interview. The Neuropsychological Schema for the Evaluation of Attention (L. Quintanar, 1996) was used. The results were evaluated according to age, sex, grade level, SES, activity and behavior during free and directed play, intentional and unintentional attention, auditory gnosis, and language execution variables. An ANOVA and other statistical tests were used. The results indicate significant differences in game playing behavior, intentional and unintentional attention, and language variables but not in auditory gnosis between ADHD and control Ss. ADHD is discussed as a complex syndrome that reflects a systemic deficit in development associated with a lack of control and regulation usually provided by language".