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The Neuropsychological and Neurobehavioral Consequences of ADHD Comorbid with LD and Otitis Media

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify a possible subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbid with learning disabilities (LD) and otitis media (OM). Data collected from children with ADHD, LD and otitis media included: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—III, Intermediate Visual and Auditory continuous performance test, neurobehavioral rating, neuropsychological testing, neurophysiological function, and school grades. Findings included deficits in: auditory processing, interpersonal relations, increased social stress, external locus of control, and academic impairment. Parents rated ADHD as mild despite high theta to beta ratios along with neuropsychological dysfunction. Increased severity of ADHD and LD was associated with OM. There may be a unique ADHD subtype with phonological processing deficits. Implications for auditory vs. visual information transmission are discussed.

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Correspondence to Ilean Padolsky.

Additional information

The data collected was obtained from the author’s dissertation completed at The Union Institute & University.

Appendix

Appendix

Fig. 1
figure 1

Measures of auditory processing (z-scores)

Fig. 2
figure 2

Theta, beta/SMR, and EMG amplitudes in microvolts

Fig. 3
figure 3

Number of academic subjects passed

Fig. 4
figure 4

ADHDT parent ratings of inattention and child self report of personality ratings (z-scores). Hyp = hyperactivity; Imp. = impulsivity; Inat. = inattention; Interp. = interpersonal relations; LC = locus of control; S.Stress = social stress

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Padolsky, I. The Neuropsychological and Neurobehavioral Consequences of ADHD Comorbid with LD and Otitis Media. J Dev Phys Disabil 20, 11–20 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-007-9075-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-007-9075-3

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