Comorbid Attentional Factors and Frequency Discrimination Performance in a Child with Reading Difficulties

Abstract

This research investigated the frequency discrimination performance of a 6‐year‐old boy (MH) with language and attentional difficulties. MH had been reported to have literacy problems not paralleling an advanced verbal ability, and he showed difficulties in discriminating non‐verbal tones of different frequencies in comparison with children of his own age. A series of auditory training sessions were conducted to examine whether his frequency discrimination performance could be improved. Thresholds were shown to be inconsistent over six sessions. MH showed no improvement on a test of phonological short‐term memory and his sustained attention level was comparable with a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Clinical assessments confirmed a diagnosis of ADHD, and methylphenidate (Ritalin) was prescribed. Five weeks later, following the establishment of a medication regime, repeated assessment showed a significant improvement in frequency discrimination performance. Performance also improved on the test of sustained attention. A follow‐up study 4 months later, while still medicated, confirmed MH had maintained his frequency discrimination performance.