Time perception differences in children with and without ADHD

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare time perception in children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with use of a time reproduction task. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 children (30 with ADHD and 30 without ADHD) ranging in age from 9 to 12 years. Children were asked to watch a light, verbally estimate how long the light was illuminated, and hold a lever in a depressed position for the same amount of time they thought the light was on. Each child participated in 16 trials of 3, 6, 12, or 24 seconds for a total of 64 trials. Results: Children with ADHD had significantly greater absolute discrepancy scores on the time reproduction task (F1,58 = 10.878; P <.01) than did children in the control group. In addition, children with ADHD had greater increases in absolute discrepancy scores across time intervals (F3,174 = 82.08; P <.01). Discussion: Poor time perception affects the performance of social skills and other adaptive behaviors such as health consciousness and concerns for safety. The findings of this study indicate that children with ADHD have impaired time perception compared with children who do not have ADHD. J Pediatr Health Care. (2003). 17, 64-71.