Association between sensory modulation and sleep difficulties in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

BACKGROUND: Sleep difficulties have been reported in up to 85% of children with Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD exhibit commonly sensory modulation difficulties (SMD) and experience more significant functional difficulties. Sleep difficulties have also been associated with SMD. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SMD are associated with sleep difficulties in children with ADHD. METHODS: We assessed sleep difficulties using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, and SMD using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) questionnaire. A total of 25 children with ADHD and atypical sensory profiles, 13 children with ADHD and typical sensory profiles and 38 children used as controls (all children aged 8-11 years) were included. RESULTS: Sleep difficulties were detected in 86.4% of children with ADHD and atypical SSPs, as compared to 30.8% of children with ADHD and typical SSPs, and 16.7% of controls. A multivariate logistic regression revealed that children with ADHD and atypical SSPs had significantly increased odds for sleep difficulties as compared to controls (OR = 32.4; 95% CI 4.0-260.1, p = 0.001), while children with ADHD and typical SSPs were indistinguishable from controls. Suspected confounders (gender, age, mother's education, and stimulant therapy) did not contribute to sleep difficulties. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, SMD were associated with sleep difficulties in children with ADHD.

Association between sensory modulation and daily activity function of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and children with typical development.

BACKGROUND: The severity of the functional difficulties of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is heterogeneous and may be affected by measurable factors. AIMS: To characterize subgroups of children with ADHD with or without sensory modulation difficulties (SMD) and the association between sensory modulation and daily activity function in children with ADHD and children with typical development. METHODS: 38 children with ADHD and 39 controls (ages 8-11) were recruited and assessed, using the Conner's Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form, the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and the Children Activity Scale for Parents (ChAS-P). RESULTS: The total SSP score of the ADHD group was lower (142.13 vs. 180.08; t=-8.23, p < 0.001) with a higher proportion of SMD (65.8% vs. 2.6%, χ2 = 34.46, p < 0.001). The daily function of children with ADHD was lower than controls (mean ChAS-P: 3.95 vs. 4.78, p < 0.001). The difference was significant for children with ADHD and SMD (3.70 versus 4.81, p < 0.001), but not significant for children with ADHD and typical SSP (4.42 versus 4.81, p=0.35). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, we found that SMD, in children with ADHD is correlated with daily activity consequences. Hence, it should be evaluated in children with ADHD and addressed in their treatment plan.

Graphical Product Quality and Muscle Activity in Children With Mild Disabilities Drawing on a Horizontally or Vertically Oriented Tablet.

OBJECTIVE: We compared performance level and muscle activity patterns during shape copying and tracing in two positions, while sitting at a desk and while standing in front of a wall, between typically developing (TD) preschool children and children with mild disabilities (MD). METHOD: Twenty-two TD children (8 boys, 14 girls; mean [M] age = 5.2 yr, standard deviation [SD] = 0.1) and 13 children with MD (9 boys, 4 girls; M age = 4.9 yr, SD = 0.5) participated in this study. RESULTS: The children performed faster and smoother movements when copying shapes on the vertical surface, with no reduction of accuracy, than on the horizontal surface. Children with MD exerted their upper trapezius while performing the short tasks on the vertical surface compared with their muscle activity on the horizontal surface. CONCLUSION: Incorporating short copying or drawing tasks on a vertical surface may increase the control of proximal muscles and ease graphomotor performance in children with MD.