Keywords
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder - word-finding difficulty - language - disability
- child development
Introduction
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychological disorder
with frequent comorbidities, such as conduct disorder, depression, anxiety, learning
disabilities, and speech problems.[1] According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition,
Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)[2] diagnostic criteria, presenting signs of ADHD before the age of 12 years is mandatory.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in school-age children, despite symptoms appearing earlier
in many cases.[3] Based on a recent systematic review, the mean age of diagnosis in European countries
was 6.2 to 18.1 years, albeit the age of onset ranged between 2.25 and 7.5 years.
Thus, diagnosis of ADHD is often delayed.[4] Since one of the critical functions of primary care is to recognize the symptoms
of an illness at an early stage, and since early ADHD diagnosis enables effective
treatment strategies implementation, identification of early prognostic markers might
be crucial.[4]
It has been suggested that ability to prospectively predict the onset and persistence/remission
of ADHD might facilitate a more personalized approach to intervention.[5] Thus, in the current study, we aimed to focus on clinical setting, in an attempt
to identify ADHD predictors in clinically referred children, by exploring their developmental
history. Selecting a clinical comparison group of children referred for neurological
assessment is pivotal to replicate clinical observations, especially in cases where
differential diagnosis could be ambiguous.
The delay between symptom onset and diagnosis might reflect a difficulty in diagnosing
ADHD at younger ages. Recently, it has been suggested that ADHD can be diagnosed reliably
at preschool age, where hyperactivity and impulsivity are the most prominent symptoms,
and some neurocognitive deficits associated with the disorder are already detectable.[6] However, ADHD diagnostic criteria do not address preschoolers separately and have
been suggested to be inaccurate when diagnosing this population.[7] From a developmental perspective, it is often hard to determine whether a young
child's inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive behavior reflects variability in
typical development or is in fact a clinical symptom of ADHD.[7]
Albeit the difficulty in establishing diagnosis in preschoolers, early diagnosis of
ADHD is essential for earlier intervention, which can be crucial for a better prognosis.[8]
[9] Indeed, a recent meta-analysis addressing ADHD revealed significant postintervention
reductions in ADHD symptoms with early diagnosis.[5] Early diagnosis is crucial as early treatment may modify neuronal connections and
improve symptoms.[10] From the neurodevelopmental perspective, the rationale proposing a better prognosis
following early intervention is clear: early childhood seems to be a period of greater
neuroplasticity, thus allowing appropriate reception of intervention.[11] Earlier interventions may rewire connections in the developing brain leading to
more fruitful, long-lasting effects.[8] Early interventions have a well-founded rationale regarding potential confounders'
prevention[9] such as comorbid disorders, low self-esteem, and challenging relationships with
family members. Thus, regarding the benefits of early intervention, identifying “at-risk”
children for ADHD might impact the child's emotional, academic, and social life by
moderating the severity of their ADHD.[8]
ADHD has a strong hereditary component, denoting an increased risk in families of
individuals with ADHD. In a meta-analysis aggregating data from 102 studies, the estimated
heritability of ADHD in children younger than 12 years reached 75%.[12] A few more early markers have already been identified, including poor neurocognitive
and executive functions,[13] delays or deficits in qualitative features of motor development (fine and gross),[14]
[15] temperamental activity, and vocabulary delay.[16]
Findings from a recent meta-analysis indicate that multiple neurocognitive and behavioral
alterations are involved in the early development of ADHD, with the most significant
effect sizes found for sensory processing, activity level, and aspects of executive
function (inhibition, flexibility, planning/organization, intraindividual variability,
impulsivity, and global executive function).[6] However, it may be suggested that these areas reflect (or are similar to) ADHD symptoms,
and a broader perspective, including focus on earlier developmental symptoms, is still
needed. Indeed, in a meta-analysis, ADHD was significantly associated with poorer
general cognitive, language, and motor abilities; social and emotional difficulties;
early regulatory and sleep problems; and sensory processing difficulties in the first
5 years of life. Further findings regarding narrative synthesis indicating early alterations
in brain structure and resting-state neurophysiological activity call for attention
to earlier stages of language development.[17]
A domain that is of special interest when seeking for early markers for ADHD is language
proficiency. Language is assumed to play a substantial role in the development of
regulatory skills, providing psychological tools needed to master behavior and cognition.[18] It has been suggested that early self-regulation skills play a particularly important
role for vocabulary development in preschool.[19] Children with lower language abilities as toddlers (6–24 months) exhibited impaired
executive and regulative skills at kindergarten age (4–5 years).[20] Since ADHD is often referred to as a regulatory problem,[21] it might be suggested that impaired language abilities are a significant predictor
for ADHD. Indeed, speech and language development delay at 9 to 18 months were found
among others to be a predictor of ADHD at preschool.[14] Furthermore, poor language skills (i.e., phonology, syntax, lexicon, and conceptual
knowledge) at the age of 3 years predicted inattention/hyperactivity symptoms at the
beginning of primary school.[22] More recently, in data from 9,021 children, early markers of later ADHD diagnosis
included fine motor delay at 18 months, high temperament at 24 months, and difficulties
in various aspects of language development such as speech delay at 24 months and grammar
difficulties in early school years. Notably, a high polygenic risk increased the impact
of these markers, in addition to being an independent early marker for ADHD.[17] Children with ADHD were found to have higher rates of pragmatic language difficulties,
with specific difficulties with inappropriate initiation, presupposition, social discourse,
and narrative coherence.[23] Thus, it has been suggested that detection of language delay in early communication
warrants follow-up of the child's development of self-regulation,[20] and might be of significant interest when seeking predictors for ADHD.
A specific aspect related to both language ability and executive functions is word-finding
difficulties (WFDs).[24] WFDs occur when a child is unable to produce words despite having an understanding
of their meaning.[24] In learning a language, the child must be able to focus on relevant linguistic information
selectively and naturally ignore irrelevant information. In ADHD, the deficits in
executive attention and working memory might end up negatively influencing speech
and language development in the early years of life, which are skills that depend
on phonological awareness and therefore affect the cognitive processes of language.[25] Among preschoolers receiving speech therapy, about a quarter, are reported to have
WFDs,[26] although verbal fluency was not found to predict ADHD symptoms.[22] Thus, WFDs represent a specific measure that warrants further research.
As noted in the literature,[27] the common association of ADHD primarily with hyperactivity has resulted in underdiagnosis
within certain populations. The increased likelihood of occurrence in specific demographic
groups underscores the importance of practitioner awareness. The presence of overlapping
symptoms can complicate precise diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the significance
of identifying and addressing concurrent conditions. The ability to identify high-risk
groups empowers practitioners to maintain heightened vigilance concerning potential
ADHD cases.
Typically, when seeking to identify early signs of ADHD, the conventional approach
involves comparing individuals with ADHD to the general population. However, to find
signs that are specific to ADHD and not just caused by different neurological issues,
it is important to compare the development of children with ADHD with those who have
other neurological problems. This helps us identify traits that are unique to ADHD
and not just part of the broader range of neurological differences. By focusing on
these specific traits, we can get better at recognizing and diagnosing ADHD more precisely.
This targeted approach aligns with the notion of recognizing high-risk groups, enabling
practitioners to be more effective in identifying potential cases of ADHD within those
populations.
In this focused study, we addressed the utilization of WFDs in ADHD prediction. The
novelty in our work lies in the easy-to-detect predictor and the comparison with a
clinical sample of population with other neurological conditions. If confirmed, our
hypothesis implies that inquiring about WFDs in a basic parent-report screening questionnaire
might contribute to the identification of children at risk of developing ADHD, thus
allowing for early treatment at a better overall prognosis.
Methods
Procedure
The present study was performed at the Child Neurology Unit at a tertiary center that
provides services to a large population of Jewish and Arab citizens, the majority
being middle-class families. Ethics approval was obtained from the hospital's review
board. As part of the screening process of patients referred to the clinic, parents
were invited to participate in the current study. Parents were asked to fill a developmental
history questionnaire. A neurological assessment was administered by a trained and
experienced pediatric neurologist, independent of the reported questionnaire.
Participants
A total of 92 children and adolescents (41 females, 51 males; aged 6–18 years, mean
age 11.51 years, standard deviation = 3.59) were participants. Sixteen children were
Muslim Arabs. All patients were recruited at the Child Neurology Unit, of whom 39
had suspected ADHD and 53 suffered from other neurological conditions (27 with headaches,
18 with verified/suspected seizures, 4 with tic disorders, 1 with orthostatic hypotension,
1 postischemic stroke, 1 with intermittent pain, and 1 with vasovagal syncope). All
children referred to the clinic were included in the study, excluding children with
intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder.
Measures
Developmental History
A detailed screening parental report questionnaire regarding developmental history,
similar to a developmental and behavioral development intake, was developed for use
in the current study. Parents were asked to report in a binary fashion if their child
had experienced difficulties in the areas of perinatal history, neurodevelopmental
history, motor development (fine and gross), language development (e.g., speech delay,
WFDs), learning difficulties (LDs) (in reading, writing, or arithmetic), history of
ADHD in a first-degree relative, hypersensitivity to touch or sound, breathing difficulty
during sleep, and difficulties with social interactions. Language development difficulties
were verified using patients' medical records of WFD diagnosis obtained from initial
speech therapist evaluations at the child development center in our medical center.
WFDs were not specifically sought but were rather part of the speech therapist's findings.
Nevertheless, the children included in the study had all depicted WFD as the major
finding at preschool-age evaluation.
ADHD screening was based both on the parental report regarding inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity
symptoms describing on the DSM-5 criteria ADHD,[28] as well as a clinical ADHD evaluation by a trained neurologist, based on the DSM-5
criteria for ADHD,[28] and the short Conner's ADHD rating scale.[29]
Statistical Methods
Analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 program. First, we explored the
proportions of early WFDs and ADHD diagnosis. Next, a chi-square test of independence
was performed (α = 0.05), to explore the association between WFDs and ADHD. Then,
a logistical regression model was employed between WFDs and ADHD, with ADHD as the
dependent variable. Additional dependent variables were added to the model as confounders
including speech delay, family history of ADHD, learning disabilities, social difficulties,
hypersensitivity, and motor difficulties (fine and gross). The association of each
dependent variable and ADHD was examined using a chi-square test. Significantly associated
variables were included in the logistic regression model.
Results
The study cohort's characteristics among participants with and without ADHD are presented
in [Table 1].
Table 1
The cohort's characteristics
|
ADHD
|
No ADHD
|
|
N
|
%
|
N
|
%
|
|
Speech delay
|
12
|
22.6
|
3
|
7.7
|
|
Family history of ADHD
|
45
|
84.9
|
18
|
46.2
|
|
Learning disabilities
|
34
|
64.2
|
5
|
12.8
|
|
Social difficulties
|
16
|
30.2
|
6
|
15.4
|
|
Hypersensitivity
|
31
|
58.5
|
10
|
25.6
|
|
Gross motor difficulties
|
11
|
20.8
|
1
|
2.6
|
|
Fine motor difficulties
|
23
|
43.4
|
3
|
7.7
|
|
Hearing impairment
|
4
|
7.5
|
1
|
2.6
|
|
Sleep disorders
|
16
|
30.2
|
9
|
23.1
|
Abbreviation: ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Note: N = 92 (n = 53 for ADHD condition and n = 39 for no ADHD condition).
Of the 92 participants, 30.4% (n = 28) of the sample were reported to have had a history of WFDs. Among participants
with a history of WFDs, 93% were diagnosed with ADHD (n = 26). Among patients without a reported history of WFDs (n = 64), only 42.2% received an ADHD diagnosis (n = 27). Correlations of participant's characteristic and developmental history with
ADHD diagnosis are presented in [Table 2].
Table 2
Correlations of participant's characteristic and developmental history with ADHD diagnosis
|
Variable
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
|
Demographic variables
|
|
Gender
|
1
|
0.249[a]
|
0.16
|
0.165
|
0.277[b]
|
0.098
|
0.038
|
0.005
|
0.56
|
0.152
|
0.223[a]
|
|
Age
|
0.249[a]
|
1
|
−0.219[a]
|
−0.22[a]
|
−0.159
|
−0.124
|
−0.181
|
−0.065
|
−0252[a]
|
−0.121
|
−0.204
|
|
Study variables
|
|
ADHD diagnosis
|
0.16
|
−0.219[a]
|
1
|
0.472[b]
|
0.2
|
0.455[b]
|
0.508[b]
|
0.178
|
0.327[a]
|
0.267*
|
0.392[b]
|
|
Word-finding difficulties
|
0.165
|
−0.22[a]
|
0.472[b]
|
1
|
0.411[b]
|
0.27[a]
|
0.337[b]
|
0.139
|
0.215[a]
|
0.095
|
0.162
|
|
Speech delay
|
0.277[b]
|
−0.159
|
0.2
|
0.411[b]
|
1
|
0.08
|
0.214[a]
|
0.164
|
0.137
|
0.179
|
0.18
|
|
Family history of ADHD
|
0.098
|
−0.124
|
0.455[b]
|
0.27[a]
|
0.08
|
1
|
0.305[b]
|
0.079
|
0.146
|
0.029
|
0.135
|
|
Learning disabilities
|
0.038
|
−0.181
|
0.508[b]
|
–
|
0.214[a]
|
0.305[b]
|
1
|
0.154
|
0.242[a]
|
0.253[a]
|
0.19
|
|
Social difficulties
|
0.005
|
−0.065
|
0.178
|
0.139
|
0.164
|
0.079
|
0.154
|
1
|
0.069
|
0.027
|
0.17
|
|
Hypersensitivity
|
0.56
|
−0252[a]
|
0.327[a]
|
0.215[a]
|
0.137
|
0.146
|
0.242[a]
|
0.069
|
1
|
0.107
|
0.311[b]
|
|
Gross motor difficulties
|
0.152
|
−0.121
|
0.267[a]
|
0.095
|
0.179
|
0.029
|
0.253[a]
|
0.027
|
0.107
|
1
|
0.33[b]
|
|
Fine motor difficulties
|
0.223[a]
|
−0.204
|
0.392[b]
|
0.162
|
0.18
|
0.135
|
0.19
|
0.17
|
0.311[b]
|
0.33[b]
|
1
|
Abbreviation: ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Note: To calculate correlations between categorical variables, Cramer's V measure
was used. To calculate correlations between continuous and categorical variables,
a point-biserial correlation was conducted.
a
p < 0.05.
b
p < 0.01.
About 57.6% of the participants (n = 53) were diagnosed with ADHD. Of these cases, 43% were found to have a history
of WFDs, whereas among individuals without ADHD (n = 39), a history of WFDs was found only in 5%.
Chi-square test of independence examining the association between WFDs and ADHD was
found to be significant (chi-square test [1, N = 92] = 20.478, p < 0.0001), indicating that children with WFDs in preschool age were more likely to
receive diagnosis of ADHD.
Next, the association between WFDs and ADHD was explored using a logistic regression
model. Speech delay, family history of ADHD, learning disabilities, social impairments,
hypersensitivity, and motor difficulties (fine and gross) were explored as confounders.
A significant association was found between ADHD and a first-degree relative diagnosed
with ADHD, gross and fine motor difficulties, and hypersensitivity to touch and learning
disabilities. Other confounders including general speech delay, breathing difficulty
during sleep, and social impairments were not significantly associated with ADHD.
Chi-square values and Fisher's exact test (p-values) for each analysis are presented in [Table 3].
Table 3
Chi-square values and p-value (Fisher's) for the variables as ADHD predictors
|
Variable
|
Chi-square test
|
Significance (Fisher's exact test)
|
|
WFDs
|
20.478
|
0.000[a]
|
|
ADHD in family
|
18.636
|
0.000[a]
|
|
Learning disabilities
|
23.499
|
0.000[a]
|
|
Fine motor difficulties
|
14.127
|
0.000[a]
|
|
Hypersensitivity
|
9.814
|
0.003[b]
|
|
Gross motor difficulties
|
6.555
|
0.012[b]
|
|
Social difficulties
|
2.877
|
0.137
|
|
Speech delay
|
3.679
|
0.85
|
Abbreviations: ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; WFDs, word-finding
difficulties.
a
p < 0.001.
b
p < 0.05.
The logistic regression model was significant (chi-square test = 58.792, p < 0.001), and explained 56.6% (average of Nagelkerke R-square and Cox and Snell R-square)
of the variance in ADHD diagnosis. The model correctly classified 79.8% of cases.
The model indicated family history of ADHD as the strongest predictor, as it seems
to increase the odds by a measure of 8.6 for an ADHD diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 8.612,
p < 0.05). The second strongest predictor according to the model was WFDs in preschool
age, as children reported to have WFDs in preschool age were 8.33 times more likely
to have a later ADHD diagnosis (OR = 8.33, p < 0.05). Other confounders identified as significant predictors of ADHD were learning
disabilities and fine motor difficulties. Gross motor difficulties and hypersensitivity
to touch or sound were not found to significantly predict an ADHD diagnosis. Odds
ratios and p-values of the logistic regression model are presented in [Table 4].
Table 4
Logistic regression, odds ratio, and p-values of ADHD predictors
|
Variable
|
Odds ratio
|
Significance
|
|
ADHD in the family
|
8.612
|
0.013[a]
|
|
Word-finding difficulties
|
8.33
|
0.014[a]
|
|
Fine motor difficulties
|
7.253
|
0.042[a]
|
|
Learning disabilities
|
4.395
|
0.041[a]
|
|
Gross motor difficulties
|
6.153
|
0.210
|
|
Hypersensitivity
|
2.537
|
0.164
|
Abbreviation: ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
a
p < 0.05.
Discussion
In the present study, we examined the association between developmental history in
preschool age and later ADHD diagnosis. Specifically designed for the study, a simple
parental report questionnaire was used, similar to a common developmental and behavioral
development screening intake. ADHD diagnosis was verified independently, by a trained
pediatric neurologist. WFDs in preschool children later diagnosed with ADHD were found
to be second to a family history of ADHD as the strongest predictor of a later ADHD
diagnosis.
It is important to note that both examined groups in our study consisted of children
referred to our outpatient clinic. The ADHD group comprised otherwise healthy children
suspected of having ADHD. To ensure a relevant comparison, we juxtaposed them with
children referred for noncognitive-affecting neurological problems such as headaches,
tics, and essential tremors. This control group matched the ADHD group in terms of
demographics, ages, and sociocultural backgrounds. Given the study's emphasis on the
early childhood history of WFD, unaffected by subsequent neurological conditions,
this selection of a comparison group was considered suitable for maintaining study
integrity.
The identification of ADHD in immediate family members as a significant predictor
of ADHD is not surprising in view of the well-established notion of ADHD as an inherited,
gene-based condition.[12]
[30] Nonetheless, current findings are crucial in specifically suggesting WFDs in preschool
age as a significant predictor of an ADHD diagnosis in school-age children. Current
findings are also important in comparing children with ADHD with a group of children
with other neurological difficulties, enabling us to explore specific characteristics
of ADHD that are not expression of a general neurological diversity.
Interestingly, reports of a general speech delay, referral to speech therapy, or communication
difficulties were found to be relevant to WFDs rather than a later diagnosis of ADHD.
These results are relevant in implying the need to address a history of WFDs in the
routine screening for developmental history in cases suspected of ADHD. This finding
is probably neither a result of dysfluency nor associated with fluency speed, since
we focused on WFDs in everyday life rather than word retrieval speed on a standard
test. However, it may be possible that WFDs is influenced by difficulties in executive
functions needed in the application of strategy to find words or in inhibition of
thoughts, such as in the cases of inattention or when losing train of thoughts. Further
research is still needed to explore this suggestion, using specific measures to address
various executive functions in young children as well.
Regarding hypersensitivity, a confounder found significantly related to ADHD based
on a chi-square test did not prove to be a predictor of ADHD. Albeit the inconsistent
association, it may be suggested that this relationship may be understood using Dunn's
model of sensory processing.[31] Based on this model, young children who are hypersensitive to stimuli due to low
thresholds and who act in response to those thresholds tend to be hyperactive or distractible.
Concerning the motor domain, only fine motor difficulties were found to predict ADHD.
This difference is consistent with previous findings suggesting that different behavioral
processes are involved in fine and gross motor performance, based on the finding that
attention and impulse control predicted both fine and gross motor skills in children
with ADHD, whereas activity level predicted gross (but not fine) motor.[32]
On a similar note, we found LDs to significantly predict ADHD. This relation is in
line with the known high comorbidity between these conditions, remarkably reaching
45.1%.[33] However, such evidence of co-occurrence might not reflect a predictive association,
and it may be that ADHD and LDs are two distinct conditions that do not result from
one another.[34] Some similarities between ADHD and LD symptoms exist, culminating in a child receiving
both diagnoses.[35]
The present findings emphasize the importance of closely monitoring young children
with WFDs. It may be suggested that clinical attention early through development might
contribute to early identification and possibly intervention for children with ADHD.
Clinical attention to a symptom such as WFD is applicable even in regular medical/pediatric
visits or during developmental screening at the family health center. Hence, early
identification plays a crucial role in guiding professionals to direct their clinical
attention toward these symptoms. Notably, research indicates that interventions such
as phonology and semantics training yield improvements in diverse educational outcomes.[36]
Early identification holds significant value, not just from these findings but also
in how psychologists can apply them effectively. Furthermore, comprehending the WFD-ADHD
link aids psychologists in addressing language issues and potential ADHD risks. Collaborating
well with parents and educators facilitates insight-sharing and supportive environments.
By addressing both the language-related challenges and the underlying ADHD characteristics,
a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to intervention and support can be achieved,
ultimately enhancing the developmental trajectory of these children.
The main limitation of our study is the use of a parent-report questionnaire which
may be subject to potential report biases. Furthermore, a major drawback is the long
retrospective report, asking parents to report their child's history several years
later in his/her development. Albeit inquiry into developmental history is a common
clinical practice more than several years after the fact, the accuracy of report might
be low and is subjected to recall bias. To preserve similarity to common clinical
practice, in the current study, we collected information while asking to report on
very prominent behavioral/developmental characteristics, such as specific symptoms
(e.g., WFDs) or referral to therapy. In view of these limitations, a prospective longitudinal
follow-up along with direct and standardized assessment of children with WFDs is needed
to support our findings. Furthermore, as commonly seen in the clinical setting, many
children in the current sample had comorbid complaints. These comorbidities could
potentially play a role in the predictive relationship found between WFDs and a later
ADHD diagnosis. Our small sample limited our ability to explore these questions. Future
studies might contribute in our exploration of the association between WFDs and ADHD
common comorbidities, such as specific learning disabilities with reading, writing,
or arithmetic. In addition, future direction might include more heterogeneous and
specific comparison groups, to enable not only to compare and identify characteristics
that are associated with ADHD compared with general neurological complaints and diversity
but also to differ among specific conditions such as ADHD versus brain injury, postconcussion,
headaches, or stroke.
Conclusion
Our study aimed to explore predictors for ADHD based on screenings within the clinical
setting. Albeit suggesting only preliminary evidence for the predictive relationship
between early WFDs and later diagnosis of ADHD, our observations suggest that early
clinical markers of ADHD might be possible using simple and inexpensive means. Detecting
such markers might help identify young children at risk for a later diagnosis of ADHD
and thus, allowing for earlier intervention. Although WFDs were retrospectively reported
by parents, we found that they constituted a stronger predictor for ADHD than other
factors examined. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and support
the value of using WFDs as an early marker of ADHD.
