Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2004 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been reported to have motor proficiency problems. Few studies have established the extent of these motor problems and few studies investigate both gross and fine motor proficiency. The studies which do investigate motor proficiency, often also include other aspects, for example physical fitness, grip strength or kinaesthesia. It is important to be able to identify motor proficiency deficit in this population group early for appropriate intervention to be as effective as possible. The first step in this process is to identify the areas of motor proficiency deficits experienced by these children. Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done. Objective: The main aim of this study was to establish if children with ADHD demonstrate motor proficiency problems. A second aim was to identify in which areas of motor proficiency they have the most problems. Method: A sample of 28 boys and 9 girls (n = 37) children with ADHD, between the ages of six and ten, were identified by the medical practitioners at four school clinics in the Cape Metropole. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency was used to test the children. The demographic and other factors that could have affected the motor proficiency in these children were recorded. Results: The range, mean and standard deviation were calculated for all the subtests and the three composite scores. Eighty-one percent of children scored below the expected norm on the Battery Composite Score (20th percentile) with the difference in age equivalent scores being significantly different (p < 0.01), the Gross Motor Composite Score (20th percentile and p < 0.01) and on the Running Speed and Agility Subtest (p < 0.01), the Balance Subtest (p < 0.01), Strength Subtest (p < 0.01) and the Upper Limb Coordination Subtest (p < 0.01). No significant motor proficiency problems were identified in the Fine Motor Composite Score (35th percentile), the Bilateral Coordination Subtest, the Response Speed Subtest, the Visual motor Subtest or the Visual Motor Control Subtest. Conclusions: These results support the literature in so far as motor proficiency deficits are present in children with ADHD, which in turn supports the need for early identification of these problems. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agergrond: Kinders met Aandag Afleibaarheid Hiperaktiwiteit Sindroom (ADHD) demonstreer probleme met motoriese vaardighede. 'n Paar studies is gedoen om dié bepaalde motoriese vaardighede te bepaal en sommige studies kombineer die ondersoek met ander aspekte van motoriese vaardigheid soos, fiksheid, greep sterkte of kinestesie. Dit is belangrik om die tekortkominge vroeg te identifiseer om effektiewe intervensie so vroeg moontlik te inisieer. Die eerste stap is om die spesifieke vaardighede waarmee hierdie groep kinders probleme ondervind, te identifiseer. Studie: 'n Dwarssnit beskrywende studie is uitgevoer. Doel: Die doel van die studie was om te bepaal of kinders met ADHD motoriese probleme het en of daar spesifieke aspekte van motoriese vaardigheid is waar hulle tekortkominge toon. Metodiek: 'n Steekproef van 28 seuns en 9 dogters (n = 37) tussen die ouderdomme van ses tot tien jaar, met ADHD is deur die mediese praktisyns geïdentifiseer, en getoets. Die Bruininks- Oseretsky Toets vir Motoriese Vaardigheid is gebruik. Enige faktore wat motoriese vaardigheid kon beïnvloed is gedokumenteer. Resultate: Die reikwydte, gemiddelde en standaard afwyking is bereken vir al die sub-toetse en die drie saamgestelde tellings. Een en tagtig persent van die kinders het tellings onder die verwagte norm behaal vir die Saamgestelde Telling van die Battery van toetse (20ste persentiel) met die verskil in ouderdomtelling beduidend verskillend (p<O.01).Die Growwe Motoriese Saamgesteldetelling was (20ste persentiel en p<O.01), die Hardloopspoed- en Ratsheidsubtoets (p<O.01), die Balanssubtoets (p<O.01), Kragsubtoets (p<O.01) en die Boonste Ledemaat Koordinasie-subtoets (p<O.01). Geen beduidende tekorte is deur middel van die Saamgestelde Fyn Motoriese Vaardigheidstoetse (3Sste persentiel), die Bilaterale Koordinasiesubtoets, die Reaksiespoed-subtoets, die Visuele Motoriese subtoets of die Visuele Motoriese Beheer-subtoets gevind nie. Gevolgtrekkings: Die resultate ondersteun die bevindinge uit die literatuur rakende die probleme wat kinders met ADHD met motoriese vaadigheid ervaar en ondersteun die behoefte vir vroeë identifisering om effektiewe intervensie so vroeg moontlik te begin.

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Studien analyserar vad arbetsgivare har för uppfattningar beträffande personer med ADHD på en arbetsplats. Semistrukturerade intervjuer har använts som datainsamlingsmetod. Urvalet består av sju arbetsgivare inom den privata sektorn. Studien har inspirerats av den fenomeno-grafiska ansatsen, där olika uppfattningar om ett fenomen står i centrum. Teoretiska analysbe-grepp för den här studien är social kategorisering och den medicinska och sociala modellen kopplat till funktionsnedsättningar. Resultatet presenteras i fem teman. Viktiga slutsatser är att informanterna ansåg att ADHD är ett svårfångat fenomen. Personer med ADHD anses kräva mycket tid, tolerans och tålamod av arbetsgivaren. Det ansågs finnas en lägsta gräns för hur mycket vinstdrivande verksamheter kan och bör anpassa sig efter de anställdas behov. Eko-nomiskt stöd ansågs vara nödvändigt för att kunna anpassa arbetsplatsen. Informanterna ansåg att det kan gagna arbetsgivaren och personen själv om personen berättar om sin diagnos. Sam-tidigt trodde informanterna att det kunde finnas svårigheter i att få ett jobb om en person be-rättar att denne har en diagnos innan denne är anställd. Genomgående för studien är att ar-betsgivarna anser att det är viktigt att se personen och inte diagnosen. Informanterna utgick mestadels från den medicinska modellen i studien och hade en tendens att kategorisera perso-ner med ADHD. / The purpose of this study is to analyze what kind of perceptions employers have regarding ADHD in the workplace. Semi-structured interviews were used as data-collection-method. The selection consist seven interviews with employers within the private sector. The study has been inspired by the phenomenographic approach. The medical and social model in relation to disability as well as social-categorizations is the analytical tools. The results are presented in five themes. Our study shows that employers thought that ADHD is a phenomenon which is difficult to define. According to the informants ADHD requires much time, tolerance and pa-tience. For the employers there seemed to be a limit regarding how much the workplace can adapt to the individual, and financial support was considered necessary to adapt the work-place. Employers felt that it is beneficial if the person with ADHD is open about his diagno-sis. However, they also thought it could be more difficult to get a job if the person talked about his diagnosis before he is employed. Throughout the study employers considered it to be important to see the person behind the diagnosis. The employers regarded mostly disabili-ties from the medical model and had a tendency to social-categorized people with ADHD.

The objective of the present study was to investigate Amen's formulations of subtypes of AD/HD initially identified by brain imaging techniques, through the use of behavioral checklist data. And in testing Amen's theory of six separate subtypes of AD/HD, to identify and differentiate the subtypes based on symptom presentation. Data was obtained through retrospective chart reviews (N=161) of children between the ages of 5 and 12 who met the criteria for the major symptoms observed in AD/HD and were referred for a previous comprehensive AD/HD evaluation. Data from behavioral checklist (CBCL and DBRS-IV) were matched to Amen's Subtype Symptom Checklist and each subject was given a percentage score for six subtype symptoms. Cluster analysis reliably found six clusters and each subject was labeled according to their symptom presentation. The clusters found were labeled as AD/HD - Combined Type, AD/HD - Predominately Inattentive Type, AD/HD - Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, Ad/HD - Combined Type with Obsessive-Compulsive features, AD/HD - Combined Type with Obsessive/Compulsive and Conduct Disorder features and Undifferentiated AD/HD. However, the present study did not find evidence of subtypes that corresponded to Amen's Temporal Lobe ADD or Limbic ADD. Discriminant function analysis of the six clusters found that the variables in the model (symptom percentage scores) significantly discriminated the subtype classification. Also, 76% of all cases were correctly classified according to their symptom presentation. Potential limitations of the sample and the data used for interpretation were discussed. Limitations of the study warrant further investigation making use of multi-modal assessment tools which relate well with brain imaging techniques, such as neuropsychological measures of attention and concentration, laboratory based measures of activity, continuous performance tests measuring inattention and impulsivity, and QEEG data measuring brain wave information. A multi-modal approach to investigating symptom subtypes of AD/HD would likely provide increased reliability and validity of differential diagnosis, and therefore, more effective treatment of children with the presenting symptomology of AD/HD. The diagnostic and clinical implications' of each cluster subtype symptomology found in the present study was discussed as well.

The proposed study examined differences in self-concept between ADHD (n = 61) and non-ADHD boys and girls. Participants included 108 children between 6 and 11 years old. Children completed the Self Description Questionnaire-I, and teacher reports of child competence were obtained. Girls reported lower physical ability and mathematics self-concept than boys. The results also indicated that ADHD girls may be more susceptible to low physical ability and mathematics self-concept than control children or ADHD boys. Teachers also rated ADHD girls as having lower scholastic competence than the other three groups. Teachers reported significant differences in level of competence based on ADHD status. The implications of the current study and directions for future research will be presented.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is surrounded by confusion and controversy regarding its definition, course, etiology and treatment. Among adults, ADHD is rarely considered a diagnostic reality of primary importance and is often overlooked. This study provides descriptive validity for adult ADHD in distinguishing it from controls, and identifying both a pure condition and one wrought with comorbidity.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very common disorder that affects 8% to 10% of South African children. It is thus prevalent in the classroom, and with the advent of inclusive education in South Africa, educators have to facilitate and support the needs of learners with ADHD. Educators play an integral role and provide essential information with regards to the identification, diagnosis and referral of ADHD. It is the responsibility of the educator to create an environment where every learner has the opportunity to succeed. However, uncertainty exists as to whether South African educators have an appropriate and adequate understanding of the disorder. This study therefore aimed to examine the knowledge and perceptions of ADHD held by foundation phase educators in a township in Gauteng. A sample of 100 female educators was used in the study and a mixed methods approach using a questionnaire was administered to the educators. Their knowledge and perceptions in the three content areas of ADHD (Associated Features, Symptoms/Diagnosis and Treatment) was explored. Data analysis reflected that the educators in the sample had inadequate and insufficient knowledge and understandings of ADHD. Educators seemed to know the most about the symptoms of the condition, less about the associated features and the least about treatment approaches. The implications of these research findings are discussed, within the South African context.

Thesis (M.A. (Psychology)) --University of Limpopo, 2004. / The purpose of this study was to investigate whether poor motor skills are associated with ADHD. Afrikaans speaking primary school children were screened for ADHD with the Disruptive Behaviour Disorder scale (DBD). They were matched for gender and age with a normal group without ADHD symptoms. The children (31 ADHD and 31 Controls) were assessed for fine motor skills on three instruments: the Grooved pegboard, Maze co­ ordination and Finger tapping tests. To some degree all three tests of fine motor skills revealed poorer performances in the ADHD group than in the normal group. The finger­ tapping test showed the least discrimination between the groups. The girls performed significantly poorer on all tests. There were statistically significant effects of hand dominance. Results show that tests for fine motor skills discriminate between children with ADHD and normal comparisons. These results appear to support the hypothesis that poor motor skills are associated with ADHD.

Theses (M.A.) (Clinical Psychology) --University of Limpopo, 2008 / Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental behavioural disorder among school–age children, which in most cases continues into adolescence and adulthood and is mainly characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between ADHD symptoms and risk taking behaviours (safety, alcohol use, tobacco use, dagga use, drug use, and sexual activity) in adolescents. Method: A total of 100 male participants (without a clinical diagnosis) participated in the study. The participants were assessed on a battery consisting of the BSSA (Barkley‟s Symptoms Scale for Adolescents), YRBS (Youth Risk Behaviour Scale) and neuropsychological tests which measure response inhibition (GoStop Task) and executive function (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test). The ADHD scores on BSSA have been correlated with scores on the YRBS as well as with the scores obtained on the WCST and the Go-Stop Task. The results were analysed using the Pearson-r to show a relationship between ADHD symptoms and risk taking behaviours. Result:: Conclusion: There is a significant although weak relationship between ADHD symptoms and most risk taking behaviours in a population of non- impaired adolescents.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Illinois State University, 2005. / Title from title page screen, viewed on April 13, 2007. Dissertation Committee: Steven Landau (chair), Thomas Critchfield, Corinne Zimmerman, Mark Swerdlik, Robert Lusk. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-123) and abstract. Also available in print.