Abstract
Early Literacy App
In earlier issues of WoM, I have discussed Project SEEL (Systematic Engaging Early Literacy), a program to promote early literacy skills for 4- and 5-year-olds and directed readers to the website, http://education.byu.edu/seel/, where they can download free lesson plans and graphic materials. Dr. Barbara Culatta, the developer of SEEL, is now creating apps to go along with the program. You can download a free app with activities for practicing the word families, -ap, -it, and -ot. Activities for seven to nine more word families are in production. The app is called Hideout. Development of the app is supported by Brigham Young University (BYU). There will be a small charge for the app once all activities are complete. The direct URL is https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hideout-early-reading/id625966929?mt=8.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatments Not Working for Most Young Children
Most young children being treated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—either with or without medication—still have serious symptoms of their condition, according to a new long-term study. Researchers followed 186 children ranging from 3 to 5 years old, who were diagnosed with ADHD. The children were treated for several months for their condition as part of the study before being referred to local pediatricians for ongoing care. For 6 years, the researchers monitored the children’s behavior, school performance, and symptoms of ADHD through detailed reports from parents and teachers. Specifically, they tracked the severity of the three primary ADHD symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The study revealed that 90% of the children continued to experience symptoms of the condition 6 years after their diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Two thirds of the children were on medication for ADHD. Their symptoms were just as severe as those of the kids who were not taking any drugs. Of the participants, 62% of the children taking anti-ADHD drugs had significant hyperactivity and impulsivity, compared with 58% of children not taking medication. Moreover, 65% of children on medication also had serious inattention, compared with 62% of children not taking drugs to treat ADHD. However, the researchers noted that it was not clear if the ADHD drugs the children were taking were ineffective. Those children with ADHD who were also diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder were 30% more likely to experience persistent ADHD symptoms 6 years after diagnosis than the children who did not have the other disorders, the investigators found.—Riddle, M. A., Yershova, K., Lazzaretto, D., Paykina, N., Yenokyan, G., Greenhill, L., . . . Posner, K. (2013). The preschool attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment study (PATS) 6-year follow-up. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 52, 264–278.