Language impairment and psychiatric disorders
ADHD is a complex clinical presentation and presents the speech and language therapist with a challenge as to the nature of the often associated language and communication difficulties. Additionally, if ADHD is understood fully, a central language dysfunction where a difficulty in using language for the self- regulation of behaviour must also be considered. This study involves the in depth language and communication assessment of children with ADHD attending an outpatient child and family centre. In addition to using standardised language tests, an analysis of the talk occurring during the assessment sessions will also be undertaken to attempt to describe how the symptoms of ADHD may be manifest in the social organisation of discourse.
For further information contact: Dr Irene Walsh