Neuropsychological profile and its covariates in children with ADHD: A Comparative Study with Neurotypical Peers

Abstract

This study compared the sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and cognitive functioning of children with ADHD with neurotypical children, investigating associations with screening time, comorbidity, and sleep. Conducted in outpatient clinics in two specialised hospitals, it assessed reasoning ability, visual perception, vigilance, attention, concentration, working memory, verbal learning, and executive functioning. Data from 70 children with ADHD and 48 neurotypical children revealed differences in demographic variables. Children with ADHD were more common in larger low-income families, with employed fathers, experiencing disturbed sleep, born through high-risk pregnancies, and prone to chronic diseases. Regression analysis, controlling for confounders, showed significant differences in visual perception, vigilance, verbal working memory, and verbal fluency between the two groups. In particular, executive functioning, visual perception, vigilance, working memory, and verbal memory also varied significantly with respect to the impact of cognitive status on sleep, screen time, and comorbidity. This study highlights the neuropsychological differences between children with ADHD and their neurotypical peers, highlighting associations with clinical risk factors and sociodemographic background. It underscores the importance of further research into these associations.