Profile analysis of memory and attention function in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder and Comorbid Condition

The aim of this study was to investigate the profile analysis of memory and attention functioning in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder and Comorbid Condition. The descriptive and causal-comparative method was used for this research. Thirty students with ADHD, 30 students with an SLD, 30 children with the comorbid condition (ADHD + SLD) were selected by the convenience sampling method after diagnosis and evaluation with regard to the working memory and attention functioning in them. The MANOVA and post hoc Cheffe test were used to analyze the collected data. Furthermore, the profile functioning of the four groups in the working memory and attention was presented in a graph. The results of the study showed significant differences between normal children and children with ADHD, children with SLD, and children with the comorbid condition in terms of working memory and attention (p<01). Also, the ADHD group showed the weakest functioning regarding attention, and the weakest function regarding working memory was reported for the SLD group. Additionally, Paired comparison was done for each of the four groups. According to these findings, it can be concluded that comorbidity of these two disorders has a negative effect on working memory. Though, the comorbid condition can play a moderating role in the functioning of attention.