Investigating the brain-behavior associations between pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and developmental coordination disorder

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) impact millions of children, unfold early in life, and encompass a wide range of symptoms across different domains of functioning. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are among the most common NDDs, and they co-occur in approximately 50% of children. However, despite high comorbidity rates, most research studies focus on the primary symptoms underlying specific diagnoses. My doctoral research investigates the association between auditory processing and motor coordination abilities in children with DCD. However, focusing on motor difficulties only, without taking into account ADHD symptoms, greatly limits our understanding of DCD as a whole and, thus, restricts the development of effective therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this study visit is to examine the highly prevalent link between ADHD and DCD in Dr. Arnett’s Lab that specializes in ADHD research. By assisting with data collection and analysis (behavioural and electrophysiological) and by systematically reviewing the literature, it is expected that this project will provide a novel insight into the existing overlaps between attentional and motor difficulties in children by integrating knowledge from neuroscientific, behavioral, and clinical perspectives.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Thaut

Student:

Partner:

Harvard University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: