The sound-working memory training as a new intervention for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders symptoms

• Main Authors: Jusoh, Masnira, Dzulkarnain, Ahmad Aidil Arafat, Rahmat, Sarah, Musa, Ramli, Che Azemin, Mohd Zulfaezal
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2022
• Subjects: RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/98854/1/98854_The%20sound-working%20memory.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/98854/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/ktn/index.php/ijohs/issue/view/9/8

To date, medication is prescribed to control attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) symptoms, however, the prolonged use of these medications has shown some adverse effects for individuals with ADHD. To address this issue, the present study investigated the possible use of non- pharmacological approach by using a combination of working memory trainings and sound therapy. The present study aimed to examine the effect of sound-working memory training intervention on sensory gating, working memory, and severity of ADHD symptoms in children with ADHD features in Kuantan, Pahang. About 702 children aged 8 – 11 years old was screened out and only 39 children were found with ADHD symptoms. The intervention was conducted to the selected 39 children by applying pre- and post-test experimental design. These children were divided randomly into one control group, and four training groups - based on designated sound stimuli including white noise, waterfall, AlFatihah, and silence condition. The training groups received repetitive computerised Quest Flex working memory training for 4 to 5 weeks while the control group did not receive any intervention. The Corsi working memory test, Malay-Swanson, Nolan and Pelham ADHD rating scale (M-SNAP-IV), and Sensory Gating Scale were used as pre- and post-intervention testing. The results showed a significant increases of sensory gating abilities and working memory, and significant decreases of ADHD symptoms in the training groups. The combination of white noise and working memory training was found as the best method in improving working memory performance and sensory gating ability, and in reducing ADHD symptoms. The study also found the reduction of the severity of sensory gating deficits led to the reduction of severity of ADHD symptoms. To conclude, the findings suggested that the sound-working memory training approach has great potential as one of the future alternative psychological and behavioural approaches for ADHD intervention