Cognitive Training Program in Children with Attention Difficulties
Martina Bandera, Sara Fanelli, Nicla Stefanoni, Gian Marco Marzocchi
Attention difficulties are typical in more than one neurodevelopmental disorder, but the one in which they have a predominant role is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This disorder is also associated with a core deficit in executive functions (EF), such as working memory, planning, flexibility and inhibition. The present study aims to explore the efficacy of a cognitive training program targeting EF components in children with attention difficulties. Cognitive training includes paper-pencil activities, computerized activities and game training. Pre and post-treatment assessment includes specific tests for the children and questionnaires delivered to their parents and teachers. The results (before vs after EF training) shows that after intervention, children with attention difficulties present better performances of EF both in neuropsychological tests and reports of daily life.
Keywords
Neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, Attention, Executive functions, Working memory, Cognitive training.