A dramatic upsurge in the number of students with learning disabilities (LD) who attended college has occurred since the 1970s. The granting of accommodations to students with LD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or both was important for their success in postsecondary education. Key to the provision of these services was the attitude of faculty towards granting the accommodations. This study examined the attitudes of faculty members at community colleges which had specialized programs for students with LD or ADHD towards granting these accommodations. These attitudes were assessed through a questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed three attitudes: willingness to make accommodation confidence that the accommodations will make a difference, and belief that accommodations would threaten the integrity of the course. The questionnaire also divided accommodations into two large groups: instruction accommodations and evaluation and material accommodations. This study also included a qualitative component in that the questionnaire included some open-ended questions and some respondents were interviewed. A total of 1100 questionnaires was sent to faculty throughout selected Illinois and Indiana community colleges of which 285 questionnaires made up the sample population. Sample population consisted of 54% male and 46% female; 51% held the rank of instructor or adjunct professor while 49% held professorial rank; tenured status consisted of 68% and nontenured (32%) while 54% were full-time and 46% part-time faculty. The collapsed years of teaching experience comprised 46% with five years or less, 27% with six to 15 years, and 27% with more than 16 years. A majority of faculty members had previous experience with students with LD (86%) and ADHD (71%), and a majority of the respondents (71%) had a family member or knew an individual with LD. Results of the questionnaire were combined to generate two factors scores: instructional accommodations and evaluation and material accommodations. These scores were analyzed using means and standard deviations or the factor scores. Aside from overall means, individual differences among faculty members were analyzed using two-way and one-way ANOVAs with alpha set at .05. The overall means suggested that the faculty: were willing to make accommodations, had confidence that the accommodations would make a difference, and did not believe that the accommodations would threaten the integrity of the class. Individual differences were found for gender, tenure status, and training. Females were found to accommodate better than males. Subjects with additional training accommodated more positively than those without training. The current findings were interpreted within the framework of how these community colleges could improve faculty attitudes. Institutions should make LD training a main concern in order for faculty to accommodate. / Department of Special Education

The purpose of this study was to explore the relative importance of cognitive and neuropsychological measures in the diagnosis of Attentional disorders. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and the Halstead Reitan Test Battery for Children (HNTB-C) were examined to assess their independent and shared contribution to the prediction of variance of Factor I (Undiscipline/Poor Self Control) of the Personality Inventory for Children.Subjects for this study were 100 9 to 14 year old boys and girls referred to an outpatient psychological assessment clinic. Question 1 examined the ability of the Freedom from Distractibility factor (FD) and the individual scales of the WISC-R to predict variability in the PIC Factor I. Results showed that the FD factor did not predict any variance in Factor I, however, the individual scales of the WISC-R accounted for 14% of variance in Factor I of the PIC. Question 2 examined the variability accounted for by selected tests of the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery for Children (HNTB-C) beyond that provided by the WISC-R. It was found that the HNTB-C accounted for 10% of the variability of Factor I of the PIC beyond that found with the FD scale or the individual scales of the WISC-R. The tests of the HNTB-C when examined without the WISC-R accounted for 17% of the variability in the PIC Factor I. Implications for use of neuropsychological measures in assessment of attentional disorders and lack of reliability of traditional cognitive measures were discussed. / Department of Educational Psychology

A quantitave study was done on children who were diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders in primary schools. The main aim was to measure IQ and to find out if there are indicators of organicity. The hypotheses of the study were as follows: (i) Children diagnosed with ADHD will obtain lower scores on IQ tests than children not diagnosed with ADHD; (ii) Children diagnosed with ADHD have some form of neurological deficit or organicity The study consisted of a sample 25 children who were diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders and the children who were never diagnosed with the disorder. The sample and the control group range from the age of six ( 6) to 13 years. Data was collected using Bendor Visual Motor Gestalt Test and Senior South African Individual Scale Revised. Descriptive Statistics, Chi-square Test and Mann-Whitney Test were used to determine the difference between the sample and the control group. The results indicated that there is significant difference between children with ADHD and the control group on both verbal and non-verbal IQ tests. This means that children who were diagnosed with ADHD scored lower on measures "of IQ. The differences may have been due to IQ. or the ADHD group was distracted enough to perform significantly worse on reading, spelling, mathematics, comprehension and written tasks. The results on the Chi-square indicated that there is a relationship between the presence and ADHD and organicity. The findings in this study will aid teachers and parents (especially in African communities), to find out more about the children who they think are just problematic children. ii A quantitative study was done on children who were diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders in primary schools. The main aim was to measure IQ and to find out if there are indicators of organicity. The hypotheses of the study were as follows: (i) Children diagnosed with ADHD will obtain lower scores on IQ tests than children not diagnosed with ADHD; (ii) Children diagnosed with ADHD have some form of neurological deficit or organicity The study consisted of a sample 25 children who were diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders and the children who were never diagnosed with the disorder. The sample and the control group range from the age of six ( 6) to 13 years. Data was collected using Bendor Visual Motor Gestalt Test and Senior South African Individual Scale Revised. Descriptive Statistics, Chi-square Test and Mann-Whitney Test were used to determine the difference between the sample and the control group. The results indicated that there is significant difference between children with ADHD and the control group on both verbal and non-verbal IQ tests. This means that children who were diagnosed with ADHD scored lower on measures "of IQ. The differences may have been due to IQ. or the ADHD group was distracted enough to perform significantly worse on reading, spelling, mathematics, comprehension and written tasks. The results on the Chi-square indicated that there is a relationship between the presence and ADHD and organicity. The findings in this study will aid teachers and parents (especially in African communities), to find out more about the children who they think are just problematic children. / M.Soc.Sc. (Clinical Psychology) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2006

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) find academic and performing age-appropriate perceptual-motor skills more difficult than their peers. According to research, children classified as learning disabled often show signs of one or more syndromes of developmental disorders rather than an isolated, discrete disability. The more common learning disorders include disabilities related to verbal communication development, reading disorders, gross and fine motor dysfunction and motor hyperactivity. Attention disorders, including or excluding hyperactivity, are not considered learning disabilities in themselves. However, because attention problems can gravely interfere with school performance, they are often associated with problems concerning academic skills Literature further reveals that boys are more inclined to motor problems, learning disabilities and ADHD, compared to girls. With regards to racial diversity, limited information is available, even though some literature implies that certain racial diversities differ to some extent regarding motor problems (DCD). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between DCD, learning disabilities and ADHD of children (N = 99) in the age group 6 to 7 years in Potchefstroom in the NW province. A second purpose was to examine the differences between gender and certain racial groups in the age group 6 to 7years in Potchefstroom with regards to to DCD, learning disabilities and ADHD. Two grade one classes were randomly selected from three selected schools in the Potchefstroom district proportionally representing the different racial groups [white (n = 37), black (n = 50), Coloured (n = 12)]. In this group, 48 boys and 53 girls were evaluated with the Movement ABC (MABC) (Henderson & Sugden, 1992), the Aptitude test for school beginners (ASB) (Swart et a/., 1994), the Modified Conner's abbreviated teacher and the Taylor Hyperactivity checklist (Lowenberg & Lucas, 1999). The Statistics for Windows computer package was used for analyzing the data. The group of children without DCD showed a statistically significant higher total ASB scores than the DCD group (p ≤ 0.00). A multiple regression analysis showed a statistically significant interaction between DCD, learning disabilities and ADHD which varied between 22% and 36%. Analysis of differences in the ASB of boys and girls with and without DCD showed no significant interactions, although racial interactions (p < 0.001) were found with the DCD group (p < 0.025). Boys with DCD did not perform as well as the girls in the coordination subtest, and their ADHD totals indicate more symptoms than those of the girls. Black children's numerical skills, verbal communication and the ASB total appeared to be considerably lower than the values of the white children. Overall, the conclusion can be made that DCD has an effect on 6 to 7-year old children's learning abilities and to a lesser extent on their ADHD status. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Although Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent childhood disorders, occurring in about three to five percent of the school-going population, there is a dearth of information in literature concerning ADHD learners' intellectual strengths and weaknesses and concomitant learning preferences. An abundance of literature sources can, however, be traced dealing with ADHD learners' behavioural and scholastic problems. Because of this predominantly negative focus on ADHD, these learners are often misunderstood and didactically neglected by teachers in regular classrooms. In 1983, Howard Gardner proposed a new model for understanding intelligence, namely the Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Ml). He stated that a person can be intelligent in more than one way and identified eight intelligences, namely linguistic-verbal, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, musical, bodily-kinaesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist. Ml theory provides teachers with a positive model for understanding, supporting and accommodating ADHD learners better in classrooms. The aims of the research were to determine: - what the Ml profiles of ADHD learners reveal in terms of their intellectual strengths and weaknesses; - whether the Ml profiles of ADHD and non-ADHD learners differ significantly; and - what the implications of ADHD learners' Ml profiles are for their teaching and learning. With a view to achieve these aims, a literature study and an empirical investigation were undertaken. The literature study focussed on ADHD, Ml theory and its implications for the teaching and learning of ADHD learners. \n the empirical section of the research, a self-report questionnaire (MIDAS-KIDS) was administered to a group of ADHD and non-ADHD learners who attend five Section 21 primary schools (ex-model C schools) in the D12 school district (Roodepoort) of the Gauteng Province. The data was statistically analysed and the following findings were made: - The Ml profile of the ADHD learners revealed no visible intellectual strengths and weaknesses. - With the exception of Writing and Reading, no differences of real practical significance were observed in the Ml profiles of the ADHD and non-ADHD participants. The following conclusions were drawn, based on these findings: - The MIDAS-KIDS is a measure of perceived intellectual disposition and because factors such as positive illusory bias (PIB) may cause disparities between ADHD learners' perceived and demonstrated intellectual competence, Ml profiles need to be reviewed and interpreted carefully against the backdrop of other diagnostic information when decisions are made with regard to ADHD learners' intellectual strengths and weaknesses. - Although with the exception of Writing and Reading, no differences of real practical significance were observed in the Ml profiles of the ADHD and non-ADHD learners, it is still important that teachers and other professionals take cognisance of Ml theory and its application potential for the optimal intellectual development of ADHD and other learners in classrooms. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The purpose of this study was to determine, by means of a review of literature and empirical research, the impact of dietary interventions on the classroom health promotion of Foundation Phase learners with ADD. In order to reach this goal, it was imperative to illustrate the meaning of the concepts health, wellness, health promoting schools, nutrition and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The objective of the empirical research was to determine whether dietary interventions would promote the health of Foundation Phase learners with ADD in the classroom by focusing on decreasing their levels of hyperactivity, increasing their concentration and improving their social behaviour. In conclusion, the following are some of the findings of this study. Dietary interventions impacted positively on: the hyperactivity level of participating foundation phase learners with ADD in the classroom; the ability of participating foundation phase learners with ADD to concentrate in the classroom; and the social behaviour of participating foundation phase learners with ADD in the classroom. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2005.

Although Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent childhood disorders, occurring in about three to five percent of the school-going population, there is a dearth of information in literature concerning ADHD learners' intellectual strengths and weaknesses and concomitant learning preferences. An abundance of literature sources can, however, be traced dealing with ADHD learners' behavioural and scholastic problems. Because of this predominantly negative focus on ADHD, these learners are often misunderstood and didactically neglected by teachers in regular classrooms. In 1983, Howard Gardner proposed a new model for understanding intelligence, namely the Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Ml). He stated that a person can be intelligent in more than one way and identified eight intelligences, namely linguistic-verbal, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, musical, bodily-kinaesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist. Ml theory provides teachers with a positive model for understanding, supporting and accommodating ADHD learners better in classrooms. The aims of the research were to determine: - what the Ml profiles of ADHD learners reveal in terms of their intellectual strengths and weaknesses; - whether the Ml profiles of ADHD and non-ADHD learners differ significantly; and - what the implications of ADHD learners' Ml profiles are for their teaching and learning. With a view to achieve these aims, a literature study and an empirical investigation were undertaken. The literature study focussed on ADHD, Ml theory and its implications for the teaching and learning of ADHD learners. \n the empirical section of the research, a self-report questionnaire (MIDAS-KIDS) was administered to a group of ADHD and non-ADHD learners who attend five Section 21 primary schools (ex-model C schools) in the D12 school district (Roodepoort) of the Gauteng Province. The data was statistically analysed and the following findings were made: - The Ml profile of the ADHD learners revealed no visible intellectual strengths and weaknesses. - With the exception of Writing and Reading, no differences of real practical significance were observed in the Ml profiles of the ADHD and non-ADHD participants. The following conclusions were drawn, based on these findings: - The MIDAS-KIDS is a measure of perceived intellectual disposition and because factors such as positive illusory bias (PIB) may cause disparities between ADHD learners' perceived and demonstrated intellectual competence, Ml profiles need to be reviewed and interpreted carefully against the backdrop of other diagnostic information when decisions are made with regard to ADHD learners' intellectual strengths and weaknesses. - Although with the exception of Writing and Reading, no differences of real practical significance were observed in the Ml profiles of the ADHD and non-ADHD learners, it is still important that teachers and other professionals take cognisance of Ml theory and its application potential for the optimal intellectual development of ADHD and other learners in classrooms. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Moment-to-moment fluctuation in performance (i.e. across-trial inconsistency) was examined in 2-choice reaction time data in three separate samples of participants: healthy controls ranging in age from 6 to 81 years, and both children and adolescents with Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A methodological approach was employed that allowed for the examination of inconsistency while controlling for the effects of practice, fatigue, and group differences in mean level of performance. Among healthy controls, a U-shaped curve defined the relationship between age and inconsistency with optimal performance found in those aged approximately 20 years old. In children (aged 6-12 years old) those with ADHD were significantly more inconsistent than controls, and inconsistency was related to ratings of symptoms of ADHD both at home and school. Group differences were also observed in adolescents (aged 12- 17 years old) with ADHD, however, in general, differences were observed only in those participants who also had reading difficulties (RD). Inconsistency was also examined separately in each end of the reaction time distribution. Evidence for a specific effect selectively affecting the slow portion of the distribution was found across all three samples. However, in addition, there was also evidence for effects that were general to both the fast and slow portions of the distribution (in the normal population in those age 6 to 20 years), as well as evidence for an effect selectively affecting the fast portion of the distribution (in adolescents with and without ADHD). The findings indicate that in addition to traditional outcomes of interest (e.g. mean level of performance), moment-to-moment fluctuation in cognitive performance is an important phenomenon which should be taken into account in future research in developmental psychology and psychopathology.

The evaluation of how Assistive Technologies for Cognition (ATC) serve their purpose in providing support for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (AD/HD) is limited and it is not clear how to best support the cognitive functions in order to help the individual increase task performance in everyday life. This thesis sought to scrutinise how families with at least one child diagnosed with AD/HD incorporate ATCs in their daily life in order to cope with appurtenant difficulties. An online survey, answered by 92 caregivers for children with AD/HD, attended to the cognitive abilities in need of support, the usage of ATCs, and how ATCs supported the executive functions in everyday planning. The results reveal that children encounter difficulty in dealing with cognitive ability, executive functioning and causal inference when it comes to planning in everyday life situations, which relates to lower levels of independence. Executive functioning and causal inference is negatively correlated to number of symptoms of AD/HD. The ATC is not satisfactorily supporting the cognitive functions, which results in another person by default being the one who sets up the ATC, and the child merely follows the instruction. The results has been processed into a table containing concepts which is suggested to be considered both when developing, as well as evaluating, ATCs for children with AD/HD.

Purpose: To investigate and characterize sensory sensitivity in Tourette syndrome (TS) through an evaluation of behaviour, perception and processing of tactile stimuli in children with TS and co-morbid Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) compared to typically developing controls (TDC). Methods: Somatosensory evoked P3 potentials were recorded in TS+ADHD and in TDC children aged 6-12 and compared at midline electrodes. Reported sensory sensitivity was measured using the Sensory Profile, while Semmes-Weinstein filaments were used to determine tactile threshold in the same area stimulated during P3 testing. Results: 13 TS+ADHD and 12 TDC were studied. TS+ADHD children reported significantly higher sensory sensitivity (p=.001) and demonstrated a significantly lower tactile threshold (p=.027) than TDC. Furthermore, the amplitude of electrophysiological responses to repetitive tactile stimuli was significantly larger in TS+ADHD (p=.0009). Conclusion: TS+ADHD children are significantly more sensitive to tactile stimulation than controls. ERP differences suggest that central processing alterations could mediate sensory hypersensitivity.