New research has shown that children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, are also three times as likely to have speech problems than children without ADHD.
This study was published in the journal Pediatrics and took a look at children ages six to eight who had ADHD, and those who did not.
According to HealthDay, 40 percent of the group of children with ADHD had problems with language compared to only 17 percent of the group that did not.
“Language problems” refer to both receptive and expressive language. Receptive language is the child’s ability to understand what is being said and expressive language is the child’s ability to speak (and be understood).
Family Practice News reported that only 25 percent of those children who had ADHD and language problems were seeking medical help for their problem.
"There was strong evidence that language problems in children with ADHD were associated with markedly poorer academic functioning," reported Dr. Emma Sciberras. "In contrast, there was little evidence that language problems adversely affected social functioning in children with ADHD.”
There was a large difference in the academic functioning of children with ADHD and language problems compared to those with ADHD alone.
Researchers found that language problems had little to no impact on the children’s social lives.
Children with ADHD can often experience other difficulties, academically and socially. If any parent is concerned for their child, they should contact their physician and seek treatment for any language problems.