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Examining the link between working memory behaviour and academic attainment in students with ADHD

Alloway, T.; Gathercole, S.; Elliott, J.G.

Authors

T. Alloway

S. Gathercole



Abstract

Aim  The aim of the present study was to investigate whether behaviours typical of working memory problems are associated with poor academic attainment in those with attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as a non-clinical group identified on the basis of working memory difficulties. Method  Children clinically diagnosed with ADHD-combined (n=31; mean age 9y 7mo, SD 12mo; 27 males) were matched with 44 low working memory children (mean age 9y 4mo, SD 15mo; 32 males) and 10 healthy controls (mean age 10y, SD 12mo; 5 males). Working memory behaviour was measured using the Working Memory Rating Scale (WMRS) and academic attainment was assessed with standardized tests of literacy and numeracy. Results  The majority of children considered by their teachers to have problematic behaviours performed poorly in literacy and numeracy. When the whole sample were split into two groups on the basis of their working memory behaviour (on the WMRS), the ‘At Risk’ group performed significantly worse in academic attainment. Interpretation  As children with ADHD and a non-clinical group exhibit classroom behaviour typical of working memory problems, early screening to prevent subsequent learning difficulties is important. The use of the WMRS allows educators to draw on their expertise in the classroom for early detection of children with working memory failures.

Citation

Alloway, T., Gathercole, S., & Elliott, J. (2010). Examining the link between working memory behaviour and academic attainment in students with ADHD. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 52(7), 632-636. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2009.03603.x

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jul 1, 2010
Deposit Date Sep 7, 2010
Journal Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
Print ISSN 0012-1622
Electronic ISSN 1469-8749
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 52
Issue 7
Pages 632-636
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2009.03603.x
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1518454