Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Research Articles

Rhynchophylline Alleviates Hyperactivity and Cognitive Flexibility Impairment Associated With Inhibition of Inflammatory Responses in Mice That Partly Lack the Dopamine Transporter Protein.

Rhynchophylline (RHY) can alleviate some cognitive flexibility impairment and stereotyped behavior for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Tourette syndrome (TS) patients as one of a keyextract and an active ingredient in Ningdong granule (NDG), which is a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation widely used in the treatment of ADHD and TS children in China; however, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate how RHY alleviates hyperactivity and cognitive flexibility impairment while inhibiting inflammatory responses in mice that partly lack dopamine transporter protein (DAT- mice). Male DAT- mice were randomly divided into the RHY group (n = 8) and administered RHY (30mg/kg) in the DAT- group (n = 8) and administered saline (i.p., 10mL/kg) in wild-type (WT) mice as the WT control group (n = 8). Hyperactivity and cognitive flexibility impairment were evaluated by the open field test (OFT) and the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The levels of the inflammatory factors of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in cortical homogenates were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) after 8 weeks of treatment with RHY. In vitro, primary microglia and astrocytes extracted from the cortices of DAT- neonatal mice and WT neonatal mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1mg/mL) to induce neuroinflammatory responses and with RHY (20mM) for 48h. The levels of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) in the culture medium were measured at 6h, 24h, and 48h after treatment with LPS and RHY. RHY ameliorated hyperactivity and cognitive flexibility impairment in DAT- mice and inhibited the expression of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2 in microglia and astrocytes in vitro, and also inhibited the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in cortical homogenates after 8 weeks of treatment. RHY improved hyperactivity and cognitive flexibility impairment through inhibiting inflammatory responses in DAT- mice.

Adverse Effects of Glyphosate-Based Herbicide on Hatching Rate, Morphological Alterations, and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Expression in Golden Apple Snail Eggs

This research investigated the effects of glyphosate herbicide on golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) eggs, focusing on hatching rates, morphological changes, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) expression to explore its potential as a biomarker of exposure. Additionally, key bioactive components in golden apple snail eggs were characterized. The study demonstrated that glyphosate toxicity increased with both exposure time and concentration. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis revealed adverse morphological effects on eggs and embryos, including changes in shell structure and organ development. SDS-PAGE analysis identified four main protein bands, including Perivitellin 2 in three isoforms (98, 67, and 31 kDa) and Ovorubin (28 kDa). Lipids, phosphorus, and carbohydrates were identified as key components through Sudan Black B, Methyl Green, and Alcian Blue staining. AChE, with a molecular weight of 71 kDa, was further analyzed by Western blot, showing decreased expression with prolonged and higher concentrations of glyphosate exposure. GC-MS analysis identified major bioactive compounds in untreated eggs, including 3-Fluoro-β, 5-dihydroxy-N-methylbenzeneethanamine, 2-Aziridinylethylamine, and dextroamphetamine, which have pharmaceutical properties such as anti-hypertensive, diuretic, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as potential applications in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. These compounds were present at lower levels in glyphosate-exposed groups, suggesting glyphosate's impact on the eggs' biochemical defense mechanisms. This study highlights the potential effects of glyphosate on golden apple snail eggs, which may have implications for future snail populations and aquatic ecosystems.

Role of adenosine in the pathophysiology and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Although its precise etiology remains unclear, current evidence suggests that dysregulation within the neurotransmitter system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ADHD. Adenosine, an endogenous nucleoside widely distributed throughout the body, modulates various physiological processes, including neurotransmitter release, sleep regulation, and cognitive functions through its receptors. This review critically examines the role of the adenosine system in ADHD, focusing on the links between adenosine receptor function and ADHD-related symptoms. Additionally, it explores how adenosine interacts with dopamine and other neurotransmitter pathways, shedding light on its involvement in ADHD pathophysiology. This review aims to provide insights into the potential therapeutic implications of targeting the adenosine system for ADHD management.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a Predictor of Prolonged Functional Recovery from Sports-Related Concussion in High School Athletes.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been speculated to prolong concussion recovery; however, the evidence regarding concussion recovery for individuals with ADHD is limited. To examine the concussion recovery time based on ADHD status, sex, and age. Cross-Sectional Study. High school. 935 (female n=382, 40.1%) concussions including 78 (female n=13, 20.0%) self-identified ADHD data were analyzed. A Poisson regression was utilized to estimate the Return- to-Learn (RTL) and Return-to-Sport (RTS) recovery outcomes with three predicting variables: ADHD status, sex, and age. The mean RTL days of the ADHD and non-ADHD groups were 12.86 ± 10.89 (Median 11.0; IQR=8; 7.0-15.25) and 1.43 ± 8.39 (Median 9.0; IQR=9.0; 6.0-14.0), respectively. The mean RTS days of the ADHD and non-ADHD groups were 20.82 ± 15.25 days (Median 17.0; IQR=9; 12.0-21.0) and 18.03 ± 11.42 days (Median 15.0; IQR=10.0; 11.0-21.0), respectively. For RTL, the ADHD status (RR=1.16, 95%CI:1.08, 1.24, p<.001) and female sex (RR=1.13, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.17, p<.001) were significant variables for longer recovery, while the age was not (RR=0.995, 95%CI: 0.98, 1.01, p=.056). For RTS, the ADHD status (RR=1.17, 95%CI:1.12,1.23, p<.001), female sex (RR=1.07, 95%CI:1.04, 1.11, p<.001), and younger age (RR=0.98, 95%CI:0.96, 0.99, p<.001) were all significant variables for longer recovery. Healthcare providers must be aware of the elevated risk of prolonged concussion recovery among high school athletes with ADHD.

Effects of active breaks on educational achievement in children with and without ADHD: study protocol and rationale of the Break4Brain project

The Break4Brain project aims to elucidate the effects of both acute and chronic physical activity (PA) on educational achievement in children with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study will be conducted in two phases: a cross-over design followed by a hybrid type 1 implementation-effectiveness trial, which includes both a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a qualitative study. In phase I, 60 children aged 10–12, with 30 each from ADHD and non-ADHD groups, will participate in a laboratory-based study over 4 days within 1 month. They will participate in three counterbalanced experimental conditions: (i) PA with cognitive engagement, (ii) PA without cognitive engagement, and (iii) a cognitively engaging control. This phase will assess acute changes in brain function, academic performance, working memory, inhibitory control, and sustained attention. Phase II will involve 600 children aged 10–12, randomly assigned to either a video-based PA program or a control group (300 children per group) in an 8-week cluster RCT. This phase will also incorporate a qualitative approach to explore the implementation context through pre- and post-intervention semi-structured interviews with teachers and school staff, and questionnaires for students. The outcomes of interest in this phase will include working memory, cognitive flexibility, selective attention, and academic performance. For the cross-over study, we hypothesize that PA conditions will enhance the studied outcomes compared to the control condition. In the RCT, we anticipate that the 8-week active breaks program will result in significant improvements in the selected outcomes compared to the control group. This study is expected to make pioneering contributions by including novel variables and focusing on the ADHD population. Furthermore, if the cluster RCT proves effective, it could offer a practical and cost-effective resource for integrating active breaks into daily school routines.

Gambaran Penerapan Pola Asuh Orang Tua dengan Anak Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

This research study delves into the parenting styles employed by parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, potentially impacting a child's social, academic, and professional functioning. The research method used is qualitative. The study involved three pairs of parents cohabiting with their children aged 6-11 years old who have been diagnosed with ADHD by a specialist. The Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) was employed to categorize the parenting styles of each couple. Screening results were further analyzed qualitatively, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data. The findings revealed that parents do not adhere to a single parenting style, exhibiting varied responses and employing different styles depending on the situation and specific conditions. Mothers tend to be more involved in their child's daily activities, actively implementing strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, while fathers are more involved in disciplining their children through punishments aimed at promoting discipline.

Examining behavioural determinants among caregivers of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder using the human action process framework

This study assessed the caregiver’s adaptability and appropriate parenting behaviour towards children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) based on their background and mental health using the theory of Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). The study recruited 24 caregivers who completed surveys at four-weekly intervals. A moderated mediation model was used to examine the mediating effects of intentions, actions, and caregivers’ resilience. The results showed that 19 of the consenting caregivers were exposed to educational intervention on HAPA constructs, and completed assessments of behaviour-change in pre- and post-training. There was an improvement in caregivers’ knowledge after training. This included improved knowledge on how to properly give care to children with ADHD enabling them to stay mentally healthy (p &lt; 0.05). Caregiver resilience can be determinant in behaviour change. Importantly, the link between resilience and reduced stress could be mitigated by encouraging caregivers to be stronger and more responsive. This can be a comprehensive discussion in nursing, especially about how HAPA can be used as a practical application for parenting patterns for children with ADHD.

Influence of parental education on care patterns of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders in Indonesia

Severe disparities in the care of children with Attention Deficit-yperactivity Disorder (ADHD) against the background of financial stability and parental demographic areas are major public health challenges in Indonesia. This study was designed to investigate how parental education influences care pattern of children with ADHD. We carried out interventions in the form of counseling and assistance regarding the care of ADHD children in the family. Of the 70 children included in the study, 33 (47.1%) did not attend mental health appointments and 51 (72.9%) did not receive any treatment at 3 to 6 month follow-up. Logistic regression showed that increasing age and medication problems were associated with fewer follow-ups on mental health appointments (P &lt; 0.05) and less treatment utilization (P &lt; 0.05). The results of this study implicated that the higher the educational background the parent has, the more adequate treatment the ADHD children receive. This is the fact that care patterns are likely dependent on parental education’s status. Further study on which factor between financial status and socio-demographic that has higher impact on ADHD children’s parents and coping style should be conducted.

Pemanfaatan Literasi Digital Dalam Meningkatkan Kreativitas Motorik Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus (ABK)

ABK's motor creativity is said to be good if they are in the right environment, surrounded by people who understand their special needs, both in terms of assisting, guiding and supporting no matter how small they do. Collaboration of digital learning and conventional creativity is one of the strategies developed by HSBE academically/non-academicly. The reading literacy ability of ABK is quite good in understanding writing, pictures, colors but due to verbal limitations it seems difficult to speak and not yet fluent in reading. The need for digital literacy for children with special needs in the form of visual art comics in the form of visualization of picture story books and visualization of digital fairy tales is quite influential in improving the motor skills of children with special needs. The computer science program was attended by ABK grades 2 and 3 because they were already able to operate basic computer systems. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method involving teachers, parents and children with special needs as a sample. The results of this study concluded that 2 children with special needs: 1ADHD – GAP (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and 1ASD – RRF (Autism Spectrum Disorder) have very low ratings in utilizing digital media compared to 3 other children with special needs so that they require extra assistance and learning media

Ortholog of autism candidate gene RBM27 regulates mitoribosomal assembly factor MALS-1 to protect against mitochondrial dysfunction and axon degeneration during neurodevelopment.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to be a key component of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, intellectual disability, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that protect against mitochondrial dysfunction during neurodevelopment. Here, we address this question through the investigation of rbm-26, the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of the RBM27 autism candidate gene, which encodes an RNA-binding protein whose role in neurons is unknown. We report that RBM-26 (RBM26/27) protects against axonal defects by negatively regulating expression of the MALS-1 (MALSU1) mitoribosomal assembly factor. Autism-associated missense variants in RBM-26 cause a sharp decrease in RBM-26 protein expression along with defects in axon overlap and axon degeneration that occurs during larval development. Using a biochemical screen, we identified the mRNA for the MALS-1 mitoribosomal assembly factor as a binding partner for RBM-26. Loss of RBM-26 function causes a dramatic overexpression of mals-1 mRNA and MALS-1 protein. Moreover, genetic analysis indicates that this overexpression of MALS-1 is responsible for the mitochondrial and axon degeneration defects in rbm-26 mutants. These observations reveal a mechanism that regulates expression of a mitoribosomal assembly factor to protect against axon degeneration during neurodevelopment.

TRANSTORNO DE DÉFICIT DE ATENÇÃO E HIPERATIVIDADE (TDAH) EM CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES: REVISÃO DA ABORDAGEM TERAPÊUTICA

Introduction: The management of patients with ADHD remains complex, especially due to the high prevalence of associated comorbidities, which may require adjusted therapeutic approaches. Objective: To evaluate, through a literature review, the main medications used in the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents, and compare the benefits of these medications on the main symptoms (hyperactivity/impulsivity/inattention). Materials and Methods: This is a literature review conducted according to the items of the report for the systematic review and meta-analyses guidelines (PRISMA). The search strategy was conducted through PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Scopus, and Embase for all relevant articles that directly addressed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The identified studies were selected based on titles and abstracts, excluding irrelevant or restricted access articles. Results: After an extensive search of articles in the databases mentioned here, three articles from 2016, three from 2017, four from 2018, one from 2019, five from 2020, seven from 2021, four from 2022, eight from 2023, and five from 2024 were selected for this literature review, totaling 40 articles included from the years 2016 to 2024. Conclusion: Through the development of this literature review, it was observed that the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents requires a personalized and multimodal approach, combining pharmacological therapy with behavioral interventions, taking into account the associated comorbidities and the side effect profile.

Mind-wandering when studying valuable information: The roles of age, dispositional traits, and contextual factors.

The factors that trigger lapses of attention (e.g., mind-wandering) during new learning remain unclear. The present study investigated whether the likelihood of experiencing an attentional lapse depends on (a) the importance of the material being studied and (b) the learner's age. In two experiments, younger and older adults completed a delayed free recall task in which to-be-remembered words were paired with point values. Thought probes were embedded into the encoding phase of each list to provide an index of one's ability to maintain attention on task and prevent recurrent lapses of attention (i.e., the consistency of attention). Experiment 1 revealed all individuals better remembered high-value information at the expense of low-value information, and older adults were more frequently focused on the task than younger adults. Participants were also less likely to remember an item at test if they experienced an attentional lapse while learning said item, and they were more consistently focused on the task when studying high-value information than when studying low-value information. Age did not moderate either of these effects. Experiment 2 replicated the findings from Experiment 1 and further revealed that the positive association between age and attentional consistency was explained by age-related differences in affect, motivation, personality, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptomology. Once these factors were accounted for, older age was associated with increased attentional inconsistency (less on-task focus). While future replication of this finding is needed, implications for education and theories of both mind-wandering and aging are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Using Bifactor Twin Modeling to Assess the Genetic and Environmental Dimensionality of Adult ADHD Symptoms.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common and heritable neurodevelopmental condition that has been the subject of a wealth of genetics research. Because ADHD has an early age of onset, most of this work has focused on children, meaning that less is known about the genetics of ADHD in adults. Additionally, while much research has assessed the heritability of ADHD as a general dimension, less has assessed the heritability of individual subtypes (inattention, hyperactivity) or symptoms of ADHD. It therefore remains unclear whether the genetic factors underlying ADHD symptoms conform to a unidimensional or multidimensional structure. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic and environmental dimensionality of adult ADHD symptoms. We analyzed data from 10,454 twins of the Twins Early Development Study, who provided self-reports of ADHD symptoms using the Conners scale at age 21 years. The data conformed well to a psychometric bifactor model, providing support for a general dimension of ADHD in addition to secondary dimensions for inattention and hyperactivity. However, a bifactor independent pathway twin model provided support for a general dimension only at the level of non-shared environmental effects and not additive genetic or shared environmental effects. This suggests that symptoms of ADHD cluster together under a general dimension of non-shared environmental effects, although the two subtypes of ADHD (inattention and hyperactivity) are meaningfully genetically distinct. We found the overall heritability of ADHD to be 40%, comparable with previous estimates for adult ADHD symptoms. Our results provide useful insights into the genetic and environmental architecture of specific ADHD symptoms.

A cluster analysis of attachment styles in patients with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder and ADHD

BackgroundInsecure adult attachment has been associated with psychiatric disorders characterized by emotional dysregulation, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about the differences in attachment patterns between these diagnostic groups. The aim of this study was to identify clusters of adult attachment style in a cross-diagnostic group of patients with BDP and/or BD and/or ADHD and explore the characteristics of these clusters based on temperament profile, childhood trauma and psychiatric diagnoses.MethodsK-means cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups, based on the Attachment Style Questionnaire Short Form dimensions, in a clinical cohort of 150 young adults (113 women and 37 men, mean age ± SD = 23.3 ± 2.1) diagnosed with BPD, and/or BD, and/or ADHD.ResultsThree distinct clusters were identified: a secure, an insecure/avoidant-anxious and an insecure/avoidant cluster. These three clusters differed in temperament profile and related psychiatric diagnoses.ConclusionsThe three clusters of attachment in individuals with BPD, BD and/or ADHD could support differentiation between the disorders as well provide information usable for planning of treatment.

Teaching a foreign language through ICT to students with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the role of ICTs

Students with learning disabilities are a heterogeneous group and exhibit particularities in the areas of perception, language, memory, attention and concentration, metacognition, self-regulation, motivation, behavior, social skills and emotional development. It is therefore important to identify these difficulties as early as possible, so that students can be helped in time by adapting teaching to their own needs. New technologies, already promising in a variety of fields, seem to be able to be used for the necessary differentiation of teaching, materials and assessment of students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and ADHD.

Links Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Peer Relationships and Mental Health Outcomes in Western Australian Youth

Peer relationships are critical in the development of positive mental health during childhood and adolescence. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms can adversely affect the development of positive peer relationships, and thus, have significant long-term implications for mental health. This study explored the long-term relationships between ADHD symptoms, peer relationships and mental health in Western Australian adolescents. Participants were drawn from a sample of 1489 young people: n = 623 males with a mean age of 13.79 years (SD = 1.61) and n = 866 females, with a mean age of 14.29 years (SD = 1.51). Data were collected at three timepoints across three successive years, with different numbers of participants contributing data at each timepoint. Participants completed measures of ADHD symptoms and existing peer problems in the first year; five measures of peer relationships in the second year; and four measures of mental health in the third year. Multiple regression and path analyses were used to determine whether ADHD symptoms predicted scores on the peer relationship and mental health measures and whether peer relationships mediated links observed between ADHD symptoms and mental health. ADHD symptoms significantly predicted both long-term problematic peer relationships and long-term adverse mental health outcomes. Three peer relationship variables were significant mediators of relationships between ADHD symptoms and mental health: sense of belonging, friendships and perceived isolation. ADHD symptoms significantly predict poor peer relationships and adverse mental health outcomes in Western Australian youth, regardless of whether a formal diagnosis has been assigned. Early interventions for young people with ADHD symptoms are needed for such individuals to enjoy positive mental health in their adult years.

Complications of excess weight seen in two tier 3 paediatric weight management services: an observational study.

Children and young people living with severe obesity experience a range of complications of excess weight (CEW); however the prevalence of complications is not well defined. We have evaluated baseline characteristics and CEW of patients from two UK tier 3 paediatric weight management services. All new patients aged 2-17 years seen from March 2022 to February 2023 were included. Baseline demographic data was collected, and patients screened for CEW. PedsQL-4.0 questionnaires were used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL). 185 patients were included, median age 14.3 years (range 3.3-18.0), 50.8% were girls. Of the patients, 73.8% were white British, with a significant excess of patients living in the most deprived decile (41.4%). Median body mass index SD score was +3.55 (IQR 3.11-3.90) and median body fat was 49.3% (IQR 42.3%-55.1%). Autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning difficulties were vastly over-represented.Dyslipidaemia was the most common (51.6%) complication, followed by hypertension (28.9%), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (17.8%), obstructive sleep apnoea (9.0%) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (4.3%). Mean glycated haemoglobin was 35.0 mmol/mol (IQR 33-38). 8.1% had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Many of these complications were detected through screening in CEW clinics.Both child-reported (mean 51.9/100) and parented-reported (47.8/100) HRQL scores were low. Mental health problems were common: 26.2% with anxiety and 7.7% with depression. This study demonstrates the significant and profound mental and organ-specific pathology resulting from severe obesity in childhood, highlighting the clinical necessity for CEW clinics. A rigorous approach to identify complications at an early stage is essential to improve long-term health outcomes.

Relationship between co-occurring autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits and internet addiction among college students in Japan

Relationship between co-occurring autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits and internet addiction among college students in Japan

Effect of Atomoxetine on Mouse Isolated Vas Deferens Contractility

Objective: Atomoxetine (ATX), a selective noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor, is a preferred drug with sufficient efficacy and favorable safety profile for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Ejaculatory dysfunctions have been reported in the patients receiving ATX as sexual side effect, of which underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ATX on mouse isolated vas deferens (VD) contractility as a potential mechanism of ATX-induced ejaculatory dysfunction. Material and Methods: Isolated organ bath studies were performed on prostatic parts of VD obtained from adult male Balb/c mice. The effect of ATX (10-6, 10-5, 3x10-5 and 10-4 M) on KCl (80 mM), phenylephrine (PhE, 3x10-4 M), adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP, 10-2 M) and electrical field stimulation (EFS; 100 V, 64 Hz)-induced contractions of VD strips were evaluated in concentration dependent manner. Results: ATX at 10-6 and 10-5 did not alter the contractile responses (p&gt;0.05), however, higher concentrations of ATX (3x10-5 or 10-4 M) significantly inhibited the KCl, PhE, ATP and EFS-induced contractions of VD strips (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated for the first time that ATX decreased the contractile responses of mouse isolated VD concentration-dependently. Our results suggest that ejaculatory dysfunction might be related to the inhibitory effect on ATX on VD.

Associations Between DCD Traits, Perceived Difficulties Related to ADHD, ASD, and Reading and Writing Support Needs Among Students in Higher Education: A Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: Since the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities was enacted in 2016, the number of students with disabilities in higher education institutions has increased significantly, creating a greater need for support. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) often coexists with other neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and reading and writing difficulties; yet, awareness of DCD remains low. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of DCD traits among Japanese higher education students and their relationship with ADHD, ASD, and reading and writing support needs Methods: A pilot study was conducted with 77 university students (mean age: 19.17 ± 0.68) in the Kansai region, using the Adolescents and Adults Coordination Questionnaire (AAC-Q) to screen for DCD traits, along with a questionnaire assessing difficulties related to ADHD and ASD, and a survey on reading and writing support needs. Results: The study found that 12.9% of students scored more than 1 standard deviation above the mean on the AAC-Q. Students in the DCD trait group (n = 10) reported greater difficulties related to ADHD and ASD than those in the non-DCD group (n = 67). Correlation analysis revealed a moderate-to-strong association between AAC-Q scores and difficulties related to ADHD and ASD among students in the DCD trait group. Conclusions: This study suggests the need to raise awareness about DCD traits and to provide comprehensive support for students with ADHD and ASD in Japanese higher education institutions.