Beyond Attention: Dimensional Attention Network Development Underpins Working Memory Strategy Differences in 2- to 5-Year-Olds with and Without Risk for Adhd

Abstract

The relationship between alerting, orienting, and self-regulation—all foundational for higher-level executive attention—and working memory is poorly understood in preschool-aged children at risk for ADHD. We developed a novel working memory task appropriate for children ages 2–6 years old to close this literature gap and to further investigate differences between typically developing (TD) children and those at risk for ADHD. We assessed working memory in 204 toddlers while recording hemodynamic responses in bilateral prefrontal, temporal, and parietal cortices using fNIRS. Toddlers were split into two groups: ADHD risk and TD. We hypothesized that older children would outperform younger children, and that all would require fewer selections to complete the task when relying on spatial rather than featural (i.e., color) information. Next, we hypothesized that all older children would use strategies that matched the relevant feature of the block (i.e., prioritizing spatial or featural object information based on block demands). In contrast, younger children would use a spatial strategy throughout all trials given limitations in their attentional prioritizing of object features. Results indicate age, condition, and risk effects. At-risk children do not differ from TD children in accuracy, but they do differ in strategy use.

Note:
Funding declaration: Dr. Kerr-German is supported by a pilot grant funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM130447).

Conflict of Interests: There are no declared financial conflicts of interest from any of the authors involved in this manuscript.

Ethical Approval: The research protocols used in this study were approved by the ethics committee of Boys Town National Research Hospital. Parental consent was obtained prior to the child participating in the study.

Keywords: memory, toddlers, Early Childhood, fNIRS, ADHD risk