Content Details
ED463594 - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Early Identification Research Project
- Category
- Executive Agency Publications
- Collection
- Education Reports from ERIC
- SuDoc Class Number
- ED 1.615:
- Date Issued
- January 1, 1999
- Author
- Fewell, Rebecca R
- Source Institution
- Mailman Center for Child Development, Miami, FL
- Sponsoring Agency
- Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC
- Publication Type
- Reports - Research
- Subject
- At Risk Persons, Attention Deficit Disorders, Child Behavior, Cognitive Development, Disability Identification, Early Identification, Early Intervention, Emotional Development, Exceptional Child Research, Hyperactivity, Parent Child Relationship, Predictor Variables, Preschool Education, Primary Education, Research Reports, Screening Tests, Social Development, Toddlers
- Identifiers
- University of Miami FL
- Abstract
- A major aim of this study was to determine if Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) type behaviors observed at the age of 30 months in low birth weight children are predictive of ADHD and school difficulties at 5 and 8 years of age. Three major questions were addressed: (1) Do children who exhibit ADHD characteristics at 30 months differ from children without those characteristics with respect to initial status variables, cognition, parent report of problem behaviors and initial response to early intervention? (2) What is the relative contribution of ADHD symptomology observed at 30 months, parent reports of child behavior, and the home environment to prediction of child behavior problems at 5 and 8 years of age? (3) Are children who exhibit ADHD symptomology at 30 months more likely to receive special services at 5 and 8 years of age than children who did not exhibit these behaviors? In the study, 711 videotapes of mother-child interactions during 8 minutes of free play were coded for ADHD symtomotology. Factor scores derived from the ADHD Observational Rating Scale (ADHD-ORS) were used to predict two outcome variables, mother's report of physician diagnosis of ADHD and/or grade retention. Results indicate that ADHD-like behavior can be observed at this young age during interactions. The inattentiveness factor predicted both physician diagnosis and school difficulties. These findings support the ability of the ADHD-ORS to predict the likelihood of ADHD behaviors and suggest that the scale can be used as a screening tool to identify young children in need of further assessment. Earlier identification of children with ADHD can lead to greater understanding of child needs and the adoption of environmental, behavioral, and medical interventions to manage symptoms and facilitate learning. The project's management chart, a financial status report, and 10 examples of manuscripts and PowerPoint presentations of the project's findings are included. ( S G ).