Language use in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a preliminary report

Abstract

Recent research into attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) proposes that difficulties with aspects of executive function are reflected in the manifestations of this disorder. Specifically, difficulties with behavioural self-regulation are implicated. Language is thought to play a significant role in behavioural regulation and therefore it is reasonable to expect that language skills might somehow reflect that underlying difficulty. A study is currently under way which seeks to test this hypothesis. A Systemic Functional Linguistics approach is employed to evaluate the language use of a sample group of 8- to 12-year-old children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. The approach also incorporates an evaluation of the impact of changes in context and text type on language use in these children. This paper describes aspects of the data collected for the current study from a single subject pair. It explores a range of preliminary analyses that might provide a suitable basis for further analysis and comparison of ensuing data.