Qualitative analysis of Graphomotor output in children with attentional disorders

Abstract
Graphomotor output was assessed in children with attentional problems using the Repeated Patterns Test. Eighty subjects between the ages of 8 and 13 years, meeting DSM-IV criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated. Forty subjects had ADHD - predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-IT) and 40 had ADHD - combined type (ADHD-CT). Both groups had intact visuomotor integration and visual perception abilities. Compared to normal children, both groups demonstrated impairments on this test. The additional feature of hyperactivity further impaired performance. The RPT is a sensitive tool for the evaluation of graphomotor output in children with attentional problems, and may be a valuable instrument to include in assessments.