A study of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Children in relation to their cognitive and affective variables

This present study aimed to identify the ADHD children and examine their relationship with cognitive and affective variables. This study was conducted on a sample of N=80 children comprising of 40 ADHD and 40 Non-ADHD children. Their age ranged from 12 to 14 years. ADHD children were identified with [Vanderbilt diagnostic rating scale (VDRS, 1998) teacher version (VDTRS) & parent version (VDPRS)] based on DSM-IV criteria. To study the cognitive and affective variables of ADHD and non-ADHD children following instruments were used. (i) Gardner multiple intelligence tests (1983) was used to study the multiple intelligences. (ii) Academic achievement was obtained from the school records of children. (iii) Behavior checklist list of (Achenbach & Rescorla, 1991) was used to assess behavioral problems and (iv) Emotional characteristics were assessed by test developed (Gupta & Singh, 1985). The results revealed that inattention type was predominant in girls whereas in boys hyperactive and combined types were found more. Results also revealed that significant differences were found in both cognitive and affective variables in comparison to controls. It was found that ADHD children have lower intelligences in these areas i.e Naturalistic, Musial, spatial-visual, logical-mathematical, interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences than linguistic and bodilykinesthetic. Behavior showed more internalizing & externalizing problem, social problem, thought problem, total problem and rulebreaking behavior than aggression, withdrawal, somatic complaint and depression. Whereas low emotional control and lower level of academic achievement was seen in ADHD children