Attention Abilities Research Articles

Characterizing practice-dependent motor learning after a stroke.

After stroke, patients must learn to use residual motor function correctly. Consistently, motor learning is crucial in stroke motor recovery. We assessed motor performance, practice-dependent on-line motor learning, and factors potentially affecting them in stroke patients. This is a cross-sectional observational study. Twenty-six patients with first brain stroke leading to upper limb motor deficit in the subacute or chronic timeframe were enrolled. They performed a Finger Tapping Task (FTT) with both the affected and unaffected limbs. We assessed how patients learn to perform motor tasks despite the motor deficit and the differences in performance between the unaffected and affected limbs. Furthermore, by randomizing the order, we evaluated the possible inter-limb transfer of motor learning (i.e. transfer of a motor skill learned in one limb to the opposite one). Moreover, sleep, attention, anxiety, and depression were assessed through specific tests and questionnaires. Improved FTT accuracy and completed sequences for the affected limb were observed, even if lower than for the unaffected one. Furthermore, when patients initially performed the FTT with the unaffected limb, they showed higher accuracy in subsequent task completion with the affected limb than subjects who started with the affected limb. Only anxiety and attentional abilities showed significant correlations with motor performance. This work provides relevant insights into motor learning in stroke. Practice-dependent on-line motor learning is preserved in stroke survivors, and an inter-limb transfer effect can be observed. Attentional abilities and anxiety can affect learning after stroke, even if the effect of other factors cannot be excluded.

Goal-Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation Training in Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury is Linked to Microstructural Plasticity in Prefrontal White Matter.

Impaired attention is one of the most common, debilitating, and persistent consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which impacts overall cognitive and executive functions in these patients. Previous neuroimaging studies, trying to understand the neural mechanism underlying attention impairment post TBI, have highlighted the role of prefrontal white matter tracts in attentional functioning in mild TBI (mTBI). Goal-Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation (GOALS) is a cognitive rehabilitation training program that targets executive control functions in participants by applying mindfulness-based attention regulation and goal management strategies. GOALS training has been demonstrated to improve attention and executive functioning in patients with chronic TBI. However, its impact on microstructural integrity of attention-associated prefrontal white matter tracts is still unclear. Here, using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in a pilot randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effect of GOALS training on prefrontal white matter microstructure in 19 U.S. military veterans with chronic mTBI, compared with a matched control group of 14 veterans with chronic mTBI who received standard of care brain health education. We also tested for an association between microstructural white matter changes and sustained attention ability in these patients pre- and post-GOALS training. Our results show significantly better white matter microstructural integrity in left and right anterior corona radiata (ACR) in the GOALS group compared with the control group post-training. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between sustained attention ability of GOALS training participants and white matter integrity of their right ACR pre- and post-training. Finally, our findings indicated that the improved white matter integrity of the ACR in GOALS training participants was the result of increased neurite density and decreased fiber orientation dispersion within this tract.

Exploring the Impact of an Interactive Electronic Pegboard on Manual Dexterity and Cognitive Skills of Patients With Stroke: Preliminary Analysis.

As individuals age, the incidence and mortality rates of cerebrovascular accidents significantly rise, leading to fine motor impairments and cognitive deficits that impact daily life. In modern occupational therapy, assessing manual dexterity and cognitive functions typically involves observation of patients interacting with physical objects. However, this pen-and-paper method is not only time-consuming, relying heavily on therapist involvement, but also often inaccurate. Digital assessment methods, therefore, have the potential to increase the accuracy of diagnosis, as well as decrease the workload of health care professionals. This study examined the feasibility of an interactive electronic pegboard for the assessment and rehabilitation of patients with stroke. We explored the pegboard's clinical applicability by examining the relationship among stages, timing, and difficulty settings, as well as their alignment with patient capabilities. In total, 10 participants used a prototype of the pegboard for functional and task assessments; questionnaire interviews were conducted simultaneously to collect user feedback. Patients with stroke consistently required more time to complete tasks than expected, significantly deviating from the initial time frames. Additionally, the participants exhibited a slight reduction in performance levels in both manual dexterity and cognitive abilities. Insights from questionnaire responses revealed that the majority of participants found the prototype interface easy and enjoyable to use, with good functionality. This preliminary investigation supports the efficacy of interactive electronic pegboards for the rehabilitation of the hand functions of patients with stroke, as well as training their attentional and cognitive abilities. This digital technology could potentially alleviate the burden of health care workers, positioning it as a valuable and intelligent precision health care tool.

Visual Working Memory in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Previous research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience working memory (WM) problems, but the nature of the underlying disruption remains unknown. A recent study (Bodner et al. 2019) found that young adults with ASD experienced intact WM capacity but disruptions in their ability to efficiently filter and allocate attention. The goal of the present study was to extend this work and evaluate potential disruptions in WM capacity and attentional allocation ability in adolescents with ASD. A sample of 38 adolescents with ASD and 39 adolescents without ASD aged 11-15 years completed a computerized WM task. In brief, participants were shown visual arrays consisting of four or six colored stimuli (circles and squares). After a short delay, memory for one of the stimuli was probed. Importantly, participants were informed beforehand that one of the shapes (e.g., circles) was more likely to be probed compared to the other shape (e.g., squares) - thus making it strategically beneficial to focus primarily on the high frequency shapes. The ASD group demonstrated overall lower WM capacity compared to the non-ASD group. However, no group differences were seen in attentional allocation. There was also no evidence of sex-related differences in WM performance in adolescents with ASD. Taken together with previous findings, the current results suggest that adolescents with ASD show disruptions in WM capacity that are resolved by adulthood. Future longitudinal research is needed to further disentangle the component processes of WM and the developmental trajectories of these components.

Traits of Developmental Disorders in Adults With Listening Difficulties Without Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder And/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Background: Some individuals have a normal audiogram but have listening difficulties (LiD). As many studies have investigated the relationship between listening and developmental disorders, the traits of developmental disorders might explain the symptoms of LiD. In this study, we examined the traits of developmental disorders of adults with LiD to help clarify the cause of LiD symptoms. Methods: In total, 60 adults with LiD and 57 adults without LiD were included. Participants completed a questionnaire for the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) test, the Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Rating Scale (A-ADHD), the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (SP), and the severity of subjective LiD in daily life. Results: Before analysis, we excluded participants with LiD who were already diagnosed or met the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD, and the results of the remaining 30 participants (50.0%) with LiD were analyzed. Adults with LiD showed higher scores than those without LiD in the AQ. Attention switching in the AQ and attention ability in the A-ADHD scale were correlated with the severity of LiD symptoms in everyday life. The AQ scores were also significantly correlated with subscales of the SP. Conclusions: Adults with LiD showed greater autistic traits than those without LiD; therefore, LiD symptoms are possibly related to autistic symptoms. Furthermore, adults with LiD might have attention disorder traits of both ASD and ADHD and sensory processing problems. These findings suggest that the attention problems in adults with LiD noted in previous studies might be related to these traits of developmental disorders.

Disgust-specific Impairment of Facial Emotion Recognition in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

This study investigated the association between cognitive function and facial emotion recognition (FER) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). We enrolled 126 participants from Taiwan, including 63 patients with idiopathic PD and 63 matched healthy controls. The PD group was divided into two groups: those with normal cognitive function (PD-NC) and those with MCI (PD-MCI). Participants underwent a modality emotion recognition test and comprehensive cognitive assessment. Our findings reveal that patients with PD-MCI exhibit significantly impaired FER, especially in recognizing "disgust," compared with patients with PD-NC and healthy adults (p = .001). This deficit correlates with executive function, attention, memory, and visuospatial abilities. Attention mediates the relationship between executive function and "disgust" FER. The findings highlight how patients with PD-MCI are specifically challenged when recognizing "disgust" and suggest that cognitive training focusing on cognitive flexibility and attention may improve their FER abilities. This study contributes to our understanding of the nuanced relationship between cognitive dysfunction and FER in patients with PD-MCI, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

A common and specialized neural code for social attention triggered by eye gaze and biological motion

Humans appear to be endowed with the ability to readily share attention with interactive partners through the utilization of social direction cues, such as eye gaze and biological motion (BM). Here, we investigated the specialized brain mechanism underlying this fundamental social attention ability by incorporating different types of social (i.e., BM, gaze) and non-social (arrow) cues and combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a modified central cueing paradigm. Using multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA), we found that although gaze- and BM-mediated attentional orienting could be decoded from neural activity in a wide range of brain areas, only the right anterior and posterior superior temporal sulcus (aSTS and pSTS) could specifically decode attentional orienting triggered by social but not non-social cues. Critically, cross-category MVPA further revealed that social attention could be decoded across BM and gaze cues in the right STS and the right superior temporal gyrus (STG). However, these regions could not decode attentional orienting across social and non-social cues. These findings together provide evidence for the existence of a specialized social attention module in the human brain, with the right STS/STG being the critical neural site dedicated to social attention.

7280 Pituitary Dysfunction Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Female Athletes: Neuropsychological and Psychological Functioning

Abstract Disclosure: L.Ó. Eggertsdóttir Claessen: None. M.K. Jónsdóttir: None. H. Kristjánsdóttir: None. S.H. Lund: None. I. Unnsteinsdóttir Kristensen: None. H.Á. Sigurjónsdóttir: None. Background: Pituitary dysfunction (PD), as well as neuropsychological and psychological symptoms, have been reported following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These symptoms may be due to the brain injury itself or PD as hypopituitarism (HP) can have neuropsychological and psychological effects. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report neuropsychological and psychological outcomes in female athletes with PD following sport-related mTBI. Subjects: Female athletes aged 18 to 45 years currently active in or retired from soccer, team handball, basketball, ice hockey, and martial arts who answered an online questionnaire regarding mTBI history and mental health were included (n = 508). Of the 308 women who reported one or more mTBI, 166 (53.8%) accepted to participate in a further interview and neuropsychological tests. All 166 women were subsequently invited to participate in a medical interview. Of those 151 accepted (90.9%) and 131 (86.7%) of them participated in pituitary hormone screening blood tests (SBT). Methods: The online questionnaire included a post-concussion symptom scale, and mental health scales evaluating symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and quality of life. Sleep disturbances were evaluated, and neuropsychological tests were performed in the psychological interview. The Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Executive functioning, visual search, motor and processing speed, divided attention, working memory, and intellectual abilities were also measured. The SBT were taken at 8 a.m. and included S-IGF1 (age dependant reference range), S-cortisol (values < 350 nmol/L were considered abnormal), S-prolactin (reference range 4.79 - 23.3 μg/L), S-TSH (reference range 0.270 - 4.20 mIU/L), S-fT4 (reference range 12 - 22 pmol/L), S-FSH, S-oestrogen, and S-progesterone measurements. If SBT were repeatedly O-RV, detailed endocrinological tests were performed for each axis as indicated. Results: Following a detailed endocrinological evaluation, 16 women were diagnosed with PD (HP n = 6, hyperprolactinemia n = 10) following mTBI. Women with PD had a significantly higher mean SART error score than women with normal pituitary function (PF) (16.7 and 12.8 respectively; p = 0.04). No other significant differences in neuropsychological outcome were found between the two groups. Moreover, there was not a significant difference with regards to mTBI symptoms, anxiety, depression, stress, QOL or insomnia between women with PD and those with normal PF. Conclusions: Sustained attention or inhibitory performance may be affected in women with PD following mTBI as they had a higher mean SART error score than women with normal PF. No other significant difference in neuropsychological or psychological outcome was demonstrated. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Nocebo Effect on Pain Perception and Attention with Children With and Without Attention Deficit And/Or Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) has negative consequences for children. The effectiveness of medical interventions and educational outcomes are strongly influenced by expectations, which can be modulated by nocebo effects. The aims of this study were to compare the nocebo effect on pain perception and attention in children with and without ADHD as well as to characterize the associations of the nocebo effect with personal variables, such as anxiety, sleep, and pain catastrophizing. Data were collected from 30 children with and without ADHD. The nocebo effect was induced using an inactive pill, "increasing" pain perception and attention deficits. Experimental thermal pain was evoked using a thermode and recorded using a computerized visual analog scale. Attention abilities were measured with the Stop-Signal Task. We also used questionnaires to measure personal variables. When combining groups, the nocebo treatment led to comparable nocebo effects for pain (increased pain perception) and attention (increased time needed for inhibition). When comparing groups, the nocebo effect on pain perception was similar for children with and without ADHD. Inattention, learning problems, anxiety, and sleep problems were associated with the nocebo response for pain and attention. This exploratory study conducted in an experimental setting emphasizes the importance of managing children's expectations for pain perception and attention as well as the potentially deleterious impact of negative suggestions on elementary school children.

Exploring the Impact of Swahili Literature Reading on Cognitive and Emotional Abilities Among Kenyan Students: Implications for Academic Performance in K-12

Swahili literature in Kenya represents a vibrant canvas of cultural expression deeply rooted in Arabic poetry and indigenous folklore. This essay explores the evolution and contemporary relevance of Swahili literature, tracing its journey from early oral traditions to modern literary forms. The discussion highlights the surge in Swahili literary publications over the past decade, underscoring its growing importance in both national and educational contexts. Specifically, the integration of Swahili literature into Kenyan K-12 education is examined, focusing on influential works like Ken Walibora’s "Siku Njema" and Dr. Assumpta K. Matei’s "Chozi la Heri," which tackles diverse themes such as social justice and human rights. Later, the cognitive effects of reading Swahili literature among Kenyan K-12 students are explored, drawing on studies that demonstrate enhanced cognitive skills and language proficiency resulting from literary engagement. These studies, including research by nurse Mwangi and educator at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Tanzania, M.K, highlight improvements in memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, particularly beneficial for students from marginalised backgrounds. Neuroscientific evidence from a researcher at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology Ochieng and Mwanyumba further illuminates how Swahili fiction stimulates brain regions associated with language processing and emotional regulation, contributing to academic readiness. Furthermore, the emotional impact of Swahili literature on students is explored through studies by author of children literature Pamela M Ngugi and Flavia Aiello Traore, which emphasise heightened emotional intelligence, empathy, and cultural understanding among readers. These emotional responses not only enrich students' personal development but also

The effect of juggling on the proprioceptive and attentional abilities among older women.

Age-related changes in attentional abilities can lead to a decline in body segment awareness in space. However, studies have reported that physical activity can improve proprioception among older adults, although proven activities with this potential are limited. Juggling is a promising activity for enhancing proprioception, as it requires high levels of attention and sensory precision. The first hypothesis posited that a juggling intervention would positively impact ipsilateral and contralateral elbow joint position matching without visual input. The second hypothesis suggested a correlation between cognitive abilities and joint position sense efficiency. A total of 20 older women (mean age: 69.95 ± 4.58) participated in a repeated-measures study using a Latin square design. Measurements were taken at three time points (baseline, post-juggling, and control). Ipsilateral and contralateral elbow joint position matchings without visual or verbal feedback of accuracy were used to assess proprioception. Attention and reaction time variables were measured using the Vienna Test System protocols. Although significant changes were observed between baseline and subsequent time points in joint position sense accuracy, no specific effect of juggling was detected. Low and medium correlations were found between decision time and the variability of choice reaction time with contralateral accuracy. For ipsilateral accuracy, a relationship was observed only with handedness. No correlations were found between attention test scores and joint position sense accuracy. The study did not demonstrate a significant effect of juggling on position-matching ability. However, cognitive abilities such as decision speed and the stability of choice reaction time may play a role in enhancing position-matching in older women. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06108713.

Effects of Physical Education on Preschool Children’s Physical Activity Levels and Motor, Cognitive, and Social Competences: A Systematic Review

The aim of this review was to systematically summarize the literature about physical education (PE) programs and their effects on preschool children’s physical activity levels and motor, cognitive, and social competences. A systematic search of relevant articles was carried out using four electronic databases up until February 16, 2022. The main findings were that the inclusion of PE in early childhood is a suitable alternative for improving development in three main areas. For motor competence, specific fundamental motor skill programs are a key opportunity to improve preschool children’s ability. Physical activity levels may be improved considering structured and regular PE programs (two to three classes per week). Regarding cognitive competence, PE classes are effective for improving creativity, attention, and mental abilities, and also, for reducing the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Finally, group-based activities are the most suitable alternative for boosting social competence in preschool children with or without motor disabilities. Improving these competences and physical activity levels in preschool is necessary for the children’s health and holistic development; the educators’ daily decisions have key importance.

Functional brain alterations in COVID-19 patients using resting-state fMRI: a systematic review.

This study systematically reviews the available evidence on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) related to neurological symptoms and cognitive declines in COVID-19 patients. We followed PRISMA guidelines and looked up the PubMed, and Scopus databases for articles search on COVID-19 patients with neurological impairments, and functional connectivity alteration using rs-fMRI technique. Articles published between January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2024, are included in this study. The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Prospective and Cross-Sectional Studies from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) was used to assess the quality of papers. A total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. The result reveals that the most prevalent neurological impairment associated with COVID-19 was cognitive decline, encompassing issues in attention, memory, processing speed, executive functions, language, and visuospatial ability. The brain connectivity results reveal that two brain areas were functionally altered; the prefrontal cortex and parahippocampus. The functional connectivity mainly increased in the frontal, temporal, and anterior piriform cortex, and reduced in the cerebellum, superior orbitofrontal cortex, and middle temporal gyrus, which also correlated with cognitive decline. The findings of neurological symptoms indicate one study reported a Disorder of Consciousness (DoC), and four studies reported COVID-19 patients with olfactory dysfunction. The present study concludes that COVID-19 can alter brain functional connectivity and offers significant insight into how COVID-19 affects the neuronal foundation of cognitive decline and other neurological impairments.

Relationship between Attention Concentration and Ability of Endurance and Dynamic Balance among the Female students at (9-12) Age Group

Relationship between Attention Concentration and Ability of Endurance and Dynamic Balance among the Female students at (9-12) Age Group

Effects of Ball-Vests for Children Exhibiting Sensory Seeking Behaviour: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Children with challenges processing sensory information can have difficulties affecting their ability to participate in school activities, which may affect their potential for learning. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of an intervention with three weeks use of ball-vests that provide proprioceptive-tactile stimulation for children exhibiting sensory seeking behaviour. Methods: The study was a pragmatic randomized controlled trial that included 142 children (105 boys and 37 girls, mean age 8.9 years) with dysfunction in sensory processing and sensory seeking behaviour. The children´s ability for attention was measured with the “Test of Everyday Attention-Children” (TEA-Ch), their occupational competence in school activities with the “Child Occupational Self-Assessment” (COSA) and the extent of off-task behaviour with the “Observational off-task Behavior among School-children” (OBS-Children). Data was analysed using linear mixed model regression. Results: Children in the intervention group had a significantly larger increase in self-assessed occupational competence than children in the control group (B = 5.78, p = 0.004). No differences regarding attention or extent of off-task behaviour between intervention and control group were found. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04173871..

A - 30 Chiari Malformation Type I: the Powerful Impact of Participation in Computerized Working Memory Training on Mood and Self-Perception

Abstract Objective Chiari Malformation type I (CM-I), a disorder characterized by displaced cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, is neuropsychologically complex and underrecognized. While decompressive neurosurgical intervention relieves physiological symptoms, cognitive and neuropsychiatric challenges may persist. Given the importance of attentional abilities and emotional functioning for post-operative quality of life for CM-I patients, exploring the effects of CogMed Computerized Working Memory Training (CCWMT) on aforementioned elements, specifically self-perception, is essential to the neurological surgery survivorship mission. Method Three CM-I patients diagnosed in adulthood were enrolled in CCWMT approximately three years post-operatively; each with self-reported decrements in attentional functioning following neurosurgical intervention with neurocognitive measures within normal limits and moderate levels of self-reported mood dysfunction and decline in self-perceived pre-surgical functional status. Comprehensive neuropsychological testing was completed pre and post CCWMT treatment, consisting of 25 sessions of progressively challenging working memory exercises completed within 5–12 weeks. Results There were no significant decrements in objective attentional-based measures pre-CCWMT treatment relative to baseline estimates and no significant changes pre to post CCWMT treatment. However, there were clinically significant decreases in self-reported depression. Further, post-treatment improvement in self-perception of functioning aligned with degree of improvement index within the CCWMT program. Conclusions Given the positive prognosis of post-surgical CM-I patients, clinical neuropsychological investigation can maximize a patient’s quality of life by extrapolating cognitive and emotional elements that interact as barriers to optimal outcomes. This case series underscores that effortful participation in intensive cognitive remediation may enhance mood and self-perception beyond objective cognitive enhancement, thereby supporting holistic aspects of a patient’s recovery.

Effects of mindfulness-based music listening on conflict control in young adults with insomnia disorder: behavioral and event-related potential evidence.

Insomnia Disorder (ID) has become the second most prevalent mental disorder, with significant negative effects on daytime cognitive functions. Previous studies suggested that mindfulness-based music listening (MBML) can effectively improve conflict control and attentional processing in healthy adults. However, the behavioral and neurophysiological characteristics of MBML in young adults with ID remain unclear. To explore the behavioral and neurophysiological characteristics of MBML in regulating negative emotions among young Chinese adults with ID, 60 young adults with ID were asked to complete an emotion-word Stroop task under three mood states while recording event-related potentials (ERPs). Task and questionnaire results showed that (1) negative emotion induced by the negative simulated video significantly suppressed the attentional processing of emotional faces and words in the conflict control task among young people with ID, (2) MBML reduced cognitive and physical arousal levels, enhanced positive mood, and improved attentional control abilities in young adults with ID. The ERP results showed that a greater N3 effect and the smaller P3 and late positive component (LPC) effects reflected that MBML effectively regulated negative emotions induced by the negative simulated video and attentional processing abilities for conflict control in young adults with ID. Maintaining mindfulness while listening to music may enhance positive emotional experiences and improve cognitive ability, and exhibit larger N3 effects and smaller P3 and LPC effects in the electrophysiology mechanism, with a reduction in the hyperarousal level in young adults with insomnia disorders.

MDES and Movie Watching: Examining Thought Patterns During Movie Watching Task

Multi dimensional experience sampling (MDES) occurs when questions are asked to participants while they are completing a certain task, and to assess and examine various facets and thought processes of participant’s experience while encountering that particular activity (Wallace et al., 2024). For instance, examining a participant's emotional state. This sampling method was applied to a movie watching study completed over the duration of May to August 2024. The study included 15 participants, who each observed a total of 15 film clips, in person in the lab located in Kingston, Ontario. The clips each ranged from one to three minutes, and comprised of various film genres. Participants would then complete an MDES questionnaire after observing each film clip. Once the data was obtained, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was completed. It was discovered that four components of thought were found including intrusive distraction, sensory engagement, episodic knowledge, and narrative comprehension of the clips. Episodic knowledge highlights the participant’s attention fixating on past events and their emotions and focuses less on current deliberate thoughts, and narrative comprehension concentrates on the participant’s problem-solving skills to understand the content occurring in the clips. Whereas, participant’s sensory engagement features their focus to sounds and images in the clips, and intrusive distraction aids in displaying that their focus is poor while viewing the clips, but their intrusive thoughts are high. Using the data it can be assumed that various thought processes can occur while an individual observes movies. It also aided in identifying any factors that could help or hinder participants' ability to focus on the movie clip task. The data can be beneficial in furthering our understanding of an individual's attentional abilities when viewing various genres and pieces of media. Works Cited Wallace, R. S., Mckeown, B., Goodall-Halliwell, I., Chitiz, L., Forest, P., Karapanagiotidis, T., Mulholland, B., Turnbull, A. G., Vanderwal, T., Hardikar, S., Alam, T. G., Bernhardt, B., Wang, H.-T., Strawson, W., Milham, M., Xu, T., Margulies, D., Poerio, G. L., Jefferies, E., … Smallwood, J. (2024). Mapping Patterns of Thought onto Brain Activity during Movie-Watching, 1–38. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.01.31.578244

Early Intervention Facilitates Neuropsychological Development in Children with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of early intervention on neuropsychological development in children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), providing effective intervention strategies for clinical practice. Methods: A total of 130 children with autism and ADHD who visited the hospital between June 2023 and June 2024 were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 65 children in each group. The intervention group received a one-year early comprehensive intervention, including behavioral therapy, cognitive training, and family guidance, while the control group only received routine medical care. The neuropsychological development assessment scale was used to evaluate both groups before and after the intervention to compare changes in their neuropsychological development levels. Results: Children in the intervention group showed significant improvements in cognitive function, social skills, language ability, and attention concentration, with an average improvement score of 23.5 points. Children in the control group did not show significant improvements in these areas, with an average improvement score of only 5.8 points. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Early comprehensive intervention has a significant promoting effect on the neuropsychological development of children with autism and ADHD. Targeted behavioral therapy, cognitive training, and family guidance can effectively enhance children’s cognitive, social, language, and attention abilities, laying a solid foundation for their future overall development. Therefore, it is recommended to actively promote and apply early intervention strategies in clinical practice.

In search for evolutionary roots of a mindful cognition: A Darwinian view on sustained intentional awareness

The attention system underwent important evolutionary changes and specializations in the human genus. In fact, our outstanding social and technological complexity strictly depends on our attentional ability, which is sustained, intentional, and conscious. Attention, intention, and awareness are key features for what can be defined a mindful cognition, and we may wonder whether a specific combination of these cognitive traits may be the result of a natural selective process, or else an accidental by-product of mental complexity. In this article, basic concepts in evolutionary anthropology are reviewed, to consider whether positive, neutral, or negative selective forces might have influenced the evolution of a mindful cognitive ability. At present, all these alternatives are potentially supported by different kinds of evidence. Hybrid hypotheses, considering stabilizing mechanisms or distinct social roles and intra-specific variation, are also likely. An evolutionary approach to the cognitive abilities involved in attention and awareness can reveal potentialities, limitations, and drawbacks of our individual and collective natural behaviors, especially when dealing with the evolution of the human consciousness.