Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have language problems that further lead to poor academic performance, a latest study by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Australia shows.
Researchers examined 391 young participants of the Children's Attention Project. They found that the risk of language problems in children with ADHD was nearly three times higher as they reached six years of age.
Children in ADHD and control groups were screened for language problems. The results revealed that 40 percent of ADHD children had language problems, compared to 17 percent of children in the control group. Rates of language problems were similar in boys and girls with ADHD.
The findings also showed that the children with both ADHD and language problems did not perform well in academics. They also had trouble learning and reading and in maths compared with those with ADHD alone. However, the researchers found that these children did not lack in social skills than those with just ADHD.
According to the study findings, fewer number of ADHD children had ever consulted a speech pathology service and only one-quarter were seeing a speech pathologist.
"We are concerned that few children with ADHD and language problems are currently accessing speech pathology services, especially given that language problems are related to poorer academic outcomes ," lead researcher, Dr Emma Sciberras, said in apress release.
"Routine assessments for ADHD do not generally include standardised language assessments, but given the strong association between language and academic underachievement, if children with ADHD are falling behind academically they should be referred for a language assessment."
In another study, the same research team found that 64 percent of ADHD children met the criteria for one or more anxiety problems. The reasons for their anxiety problems were poorer life quality and behavior. But, the researchers stated that children with only one anxiety problem were not especially impaired.
"It's really important to identify anxiety problems in children with ADHD," said Dr Sciberras. "Given that anxiety is so common in children with ADHD and is associated with poorer functioning, it's vital that anxiety is assessed as part of clinical assessments for children with ADHD. Importantly, anxiety needs to re-assessed at follow-up consultations, as anxiety may develop overtime for children with ADHD."
Researchers said both the studies shed light on two areas of additional difficulty; language problems and anxiety for children with ADHD.
"Both of these studies demonstrate that the additional difficulties that go along with ADHD, in this case anxiety and language problems can make daily functioning even harder for children with ADHD. If parents are concerned that their child with ADHD has anxiety, language or any other additional difficulties that are not currently being managed, we encourage them to discuss their concerns with their child's treating clinician."
