[PS-2.9] In search of the cognitive profile of preschoolers at risk for dyslexia and ADHD

Kellens, S. , Baeyens, D. & Ghesquière, P. .

KU Leuven

Developmental dyslexia (?dyslexia?) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) co-occur frequently, as approximately 25-40% of children with dyslexia meet the criteria of ADHD. However, in prospective research, preschoolers at risk for both dyslexia and ADHD are often neglected. Insight in the neurocognitive profile of children at risk for dyslexia and ADHD might enhance the early identification and remediation of this specific group.
The overall aim of this study is to compare the cognitive profile and development of a group of preschoolers (pre-reading) at risk for both dyslexia and ADHD (n = 50) to the profile of preschoolers at risk for dyslexia (n = 51) or ADHD (n = 17). We will compare these three pre-clinical groups to a group of average functioning preschoolers (n = 48). All children will be followed longitudinally and tested at three points in time: in 3rd kindergarten (2019), first (2020) and second grade (2021). This winter, we completed the first wave and all children were tested in schools through a neurocognitive test battery to assess phonological abilities, executive functioning and processing speed. Currently results are being analyzed, and will be disclosed and discussed by means of a poster presentation.