Investigating the Role of Inattention and/or Hyperactivity/impulsivity in Language and Social Functioning Using a Dimensional Approach

Kaitlyn M A Parks; Janis E Oram Cardy; Tiffany G Woynaroski; Claudia G Sehl; Ryan A Stevenson

doi:10.1016/j.jcomdis.2020.106036

Investigating the Role of Inattention and/or Hyperactivity/impulsivity in Language and Social Functioning Using a Dimensional Approach

J Commun Disord. 2021 Jan-Feb:89:106036. doi: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2020.106036. Epub 2020 Aug 17.

Authors

Kaitlyn M A Parks¹, Janis E Oram Cardy², Tiffany G Woynaroski³, Claudia G Sehl⁴, Ryan A Stevenson⁵

Affiliations

¹ Western University, Department of Psychology, 1151 Richmond St London, N6A 3K7 London, ON, Canada; Western University, Brain and Mind Institute, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada. Electronic address: kparks7@uwo.ca.
² Western University, Brain and Mind Institute, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada; Western University, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada; Western University, Program in Neuroscience, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada. Electronic address: janis.cardy@uwo.ca.
³ Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville, 377235, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville, 377235, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville, 377235, TN, USA. Electronic address: tiffany.g.woynaroski@vumc.org.
⁴ Western University, Department of Psychology, 1151 Richmond St London, N6A 3K7 London, ON, Canada; Western University, Brain and Mind Institute, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada; University of Waterloo, Department of Psychology, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3GL, Canada. Electronic address: c2sehl@uwaterloo.ca.
⁵ Western University, Department of Psychology, 1151 Richmond St London, N6A 3K7 London, ON, Canada; Western University, Brain and Mind Institute, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada; Western University, Program in Neuroscience, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada; Western University, Department of Psychiatry, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada; York University, Centre for Vision Research, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada. Electronic address: rsteve28@uwo.ca.

Abstract

The current study parsed out the distinct components of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology to examine differential relations with language and social ability. Using a research domain criteria (RDoC) framework, we administered standardized tests and previously developed and validated questionnaires to assess levels of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity symptomatology, language, social responsivity and social competency in 98 young adults. Those with higher inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity symptomatology had reduced language comprehension, social responsivity, and social competency. Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity both predicted language comprehension, but not language production. Interestingly, inattention uniquely contributed to social responsiveness and social competency, but hyperactivity/impulsivity did not. Findings suggest that inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, inattention in particular, may be especially important for social skills programs geared towards individuals with attention limitations.

Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; language; social communication; social competency; social responsivity.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Attention
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity*
Humans
Impulsive Behavior
Language*
Social Interaction*
Young Adult

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding