Applied Neuropsychology: Child最新文献

The Teenage Executive Functioning Inventory (TEXI) is a newly developed, reliable, and valid measure to assess deficits in executive functioning. The present study aimed to adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Bangla version of the TEXI in a sample of Bangladeshi adolescents. The cross-sectional research on 360 Bangladeshi adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years was carried out. Initially, the 20-item TEXI was translated into Bangla and pretested. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test factor structure and measurement invariance across genders. The CFA identified a two-factor solution, including working memory and inhibition, thereby replicating the original model. Multi-group CFA further suggested configural, metric, scaler, and residual measurement invariance between genders in a Bangladeshi sample. The internal consistency reliability of the TEXI was adequate. Construct and criterion-related validity were confirmed by establishing substantial and statistically significant correlations between the two factors within the TEXI and the associations between academic performance and the overall TEXI score. The Bangla version of the TEXI is a valuable measurement tool for evaluating executive dysfunction among adolescents. This study opens the door to future research on adolescents' executive functioning deficits and their relationship with other real-life behaviors.

The present study aimed to identify autistic traits as a mediator between visual working memory capacity and enhanced performance in visual-perceptual tasks in children with ASD. One hundred-forty children, ages 4-6 years, participated in this study (mean age = 5.34 ± 4.11, 98 males). They were recruited from Taiba Specialized Centers for the Care of People with Special Needs in Saudi Arabia. A correlational design was used to identify the mediating role of autistic traits in the relationship between visual working memory capacity and enhanced performance in visual-perceptual tasks in children with ASD. The present study developed a theoretical model that incorporated autistic traits as a mediator between visual working memory capacity and enhanced performance in visual-perceptual tasks in children with ASD. The study findings indicate that: (1) A significant positive correlation exists between autistic traits and visual working memory capacity; (2) A significant positive correlation exists between autistic traits and enhanced performance in visual-perceptual tasks; (3) The relationship between visual working memory capacity and enhanced performance is mediated by autistic traits.

Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) often have challenges with executive functioning (EF), which impacts their ability to self-regulate. In this study, 23 adolescents with FASD completed a self-regulation intervention. The intervention was a manualized Teen Adaptation of the Alert Program®. A nonrandomized waitlist control design was used, and participants completed pre- and post-testing using performance-based measures of EF, and rating scales of EF were completed by caregivers. Results were analyzed three ways; 1) intervention and waitlist control group comparison, 2) whole sample pre-and post- test comparison, and 3) using Reliable Change Indexes to examine individual-level clinically relevant changes. No significant intervention effects were found when comparing the intervention and waitlist control groups. A significant difference was found on a measure of verbal inhibition when total sample pre-and post-test scores were compared. Using Reliable Change Index analysis, 30% participants showed reliable change in the direction of improvement on direct measures of EF, and 57% demonstrated reliable change in the direction of improvement on rating scales. This research study underscores the importance of investigating both individual and group level changes when analyzing data, as well as using reliable change to understand clinically meaningful effects that may be otherwise masked. These findings highlight the potential of the SR intervention to positively impact EF in adolescents with FASD. This study contributes to the growing literature that demonstrates the potential of individuals with FASD to benefit from direct intervention.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and executive functioning, focusing specifically on performance monitoring, error detection, and their association with mid-frontal theta and error-related negativity (ERN). Employing the widely used flanker task, the research involved two phases with participants aged 10-16 years (15 individuals in the pilot phase and 35 in the second phase). Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings from distinct brain regions were analyzed during various conditions. The study revealed a notable increase in both absolute and relative theta power at Fcz during the flanker task, with a stronger effect observed during incorrect trials. Furthermore, it underscored the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on mid-frontal theta, highlighting interactions between SES, gender, and experimental conditions impacting both absolute and relative theta. Intriguingly, the research disclosed a positive correlation between parental occupation and error-related negativity (ERN), as well as between age and ERN. These findings underscore the significance of SES, gender, and age in shaping the neural mechanisms associated with performance monitoring and executive functions. The study contributes valuable insights into the intricate interplay between socio-demographic factors and cognitive processes, shedding light on their impact on goal-directed behaviors and brain activity.

Dyslexia, one of children's most common neurological diversities, primarily manifests as a reduced reading ability. Genetic factors contribute to dyslexia, with contemporary theories attributing it to a delay in left hemispheric lateralization that reduces effective reading and writing skills. To assist dyslexic children, smartphone application, Auto Train Brain, has been developed to enhance reading comprehension and speed. Previously, the efficacy of the mobile application's training program was assessed using psychometric tests; however, our study employed a biomarker detection software to evaluate the neurofeedback's impact. Machine learning (ML) techniques have recently gained traction in differentiating between dyslexia and typically developing children (TDC). The dataset of this study consists of 100 sessions of 2-minute resting-state eyes-open 14-channel Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) data from 100 children with dyslexia and 100 TDC. Therefore, the dyslexia biomarker detection software assessed the efficacy of the 14-channel neurofeedback administered via Auto Train Brain. Results showed significant improvement in electrophysiological normalization, increasing from 30% in the first 20 sessions to 61% by the end of the training. A two-proportion Z-test confirmed this improvement was statistically significant (Z = -3.96, p = 0.00007), particularly between the 1-20 and 1-60 session intervals (Z = -2.66, p = 0.0079).

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of exergames in improving the motor memory and inhibitory control of children with executive functions disorder. Children, selected by simple random method were divided into two groups: experimental (n = 16) and control (n = 16). Circle drawing task, and The Serial Reaction Time Task were used to collect and analyze data. The current study is a randomized control trial (RCT) type of research with a two-group pretest, post-test, and follow up -test design in terms of the purpose of applied research and the method of data collection. T-test results for the differences in post- test mean scores between the two groups in motor memory and inhibitory control showed that the treatment group outperformed the control group. There were statistical differences between pre and post measures in favor of post test, and between pre and follow up measures in favor of follow up test, but no statistical differences between post and follow up test. This study demonstrates that it is possible to enhance motor memory and inhibitory control of children with executive functions disorder using exergames intervention.

This study aimed to examine the associations between Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) and Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) in children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We included sixty "ADHD-only" cases and eighty-two "ADHD + SLD" cases with an IQ score of 80 and above, aged 8-15. We applied both a structured psychiatric interview and a mental status examination. Parents completed the ADHD-Rating Scale IV, Barkley Child Attention Scale, and Specific Learning Disorder-Evaluation Scale. The sample consisted of 94 boys and 48 girls. The mean age of the cases was 10,90 ± 2,32. The "ADHD + SLD" group had a higher proportion of cases with CDS than the "ADHD-only" group (47,6% vs 15%). The "ADHD + SLD" group had significantly higher CDS-total, CDS-sluggish, and CDS-daydreaming scores than the "ADHD-only" group. SLD score was positively associated with CDS-total, CDS-sluggish, and CDS-daydreaming scores. Even when controlled for inattentive symptoms, IQ, drug treatment duration, socioeconomic level, and parental education level, CDS-daydreaming scores but not CDS-sluggish scores were associated with higher SLD scores. The findings indicate a prominent association between CDS and SLD. CDS symptoms -mainly- CDS-daydreaming symptoms are essentially associated with SLD even when controlled for inattentive symptoms, IQ, drug treatment duration, and relevant demographic factors. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to a possible coexistence of CDS while evaluating cases with SLD.

This study examined how comorbid Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) and Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) shape neurocognitive and behavioral profiles of children with ADHD. The sample included 844 children aged 6-16, categorized into ADHD-only, ADHD+CDS, ADHD+SLD, and ADHD+SLD+CDS. Cognitive performance was assessed with the WISC-R, and behavioral symptoms with the Teacher Report Form. Group differences were analyzed using ANCOVA, adjusting for age, inattention, and internalizing symptoms. Children with CDS showed higher inattention, internalizing symptoms, and obsessive-compulsive traits than those without CDS. By contrast, SLD was linked to lower oppositional and aggressive behaviors. SLD groups performed worse on WISC-R verbal subtests. Compared with CDS, SLD showed lower Arithmetic and Vocabulary scores, underscoring SLD-related verbal and working memory impairment. After adjustment, CDS did not exhibit distinct cognitive profile. Boys with CDS scored lower on the Information subtest than boys with ADHD-only. Performance IQ and non-verbal subtests did not differ across groups. The overlap of CDS and SLD raises concerns about misattributing SLD-related deficits to CDS. Clinically, these findings highlight the need to rule out SLD whenever CDS is observed. Interventions should be tailored, with educational support prioritized in SLD, attention- and emotion-focused strategies in CDS, and integrated approaches when both are present.

The diagnostic subtypes of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) described in the DSM-5 remain widely used in clinical practice despite increasing evidence of their instability and questionable neurocognitive validity. This study examined whether the inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined presentations correspond to distinct cognitive profiles in school-aged children with ADHD. A total of 114 children aged 7-12 years with DSM-5 ADHD diagnoses were assessed with a standardized neuropsychological battery targeting executive functions, working memory, verbal fluency, and sustained attention. Subtypes were classified with the parent-report SNAP-IV. Exclusionary comorbidities were ruled out via structured interviews and a DSM-based screening tool. Between-group comparisons employed Kruskal-Wallis tests and Bayesian ANOVAs, and a k-means cluster analysis identified empirical cognitive profiles independent of subtype labels. Results showed no significant differences in 14 of 15 measures (all p > 0.05). Bayesian analyses provided substantial support for similarity (BF₁₀ < 0.33; η² ≤ 0.06), with only phonological fluency showing a modest group effect (H = 9.52, p = 0.009; BF₁₀ = 3.89; η² = 0.084). Cluster analysis yielded two stable profiles (low vs. average-high performance) unrelated to DSM-5 subtypes. These findings challenge the clinical utility of symptom-based subtyping in ADHD and support dimensional, performance-based classification models to guide assessment and individualized intervention.

Objective: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to time perception deficits, with theories such as Scalar Expectancy Theory (SET) and Dynamic Attending Theory (DAT) offering different explanations. SET suggests time perception relies on a pacemaker-counter system influenced by working memory, whereas DAT highlights the role of attention in modulating time perception. This study examines the impact of attention, working memory, and motor response on time perception in children with ADHD.

Method: This study included 94 children (47 with ADHD, 47 typically developing), aged 7-12, matched by age and gender. Participants completed computerized tasks assessing time perception (Time Wall), sustained attention (CPT), selective attention and reaction time (Go/No-Go), and working memory (Corsi Block). ADHD diagnoses followed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V-Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) criteria. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and linear regression models.

Results: Children with ADHD demonstrated significantly greater time perception inaccuracy than controls. Regression analyses revealed that in the ADHD group, selective attention, and reaction times in sustained and selective attention significantly predicted time perception deficits. In contrast, only age predicted inaccuracy in the control group. These findings underscore the unique cognitive mechanisms contributing to time perception deficits in ADHD.

Conclusion: Time perception deficits in children with ADHD appear to be primarily influenced by selective attention and motor response speed, rather than sustained attention or working memory. These findings support DAT, highlighting the importance of attention and reaction time in ADHD-related time perception deficits. Interventions targeting these factors may be essential for improving timing accuracy in ADHD children.