A cross-syndrome evaluation of a new attention rating scale: The Scale of Attention in Intellectual Disability

Res Dev Disabil. 2016 Oct:57:18-28. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.06.005. Epub 2016 Jun 24.

Abstract

Whilst neuropsychological research has enhanced our understanding of inattentive and hyperactive behaviours among children with intellectual disability (ID), the absence of rating scales developed for this group continues to be a gap in knowledge. This study examined these behaviours in 176 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome (DS), or idiopathic ID using a newly developed teacher rating scale, the Scale of Attention in Intellectual Disability. Findings suggested that children with ASD had a significantly greater breadth of hyperactive/impulsive behaviours than those with DS or idiopathic ID. These findings support existing research suggesting differing profiles of attention and activity across groups. Understanding disorder-specific profiles has implications for developing strategies to support students with ID in the classroom.

Keywords: Attention-deficit hyperactivity symptoms; Autism spectrum disorder; Children; Intellectual disability; Rating scale.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Down Syndrome / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology*
  • Male