An ecosystemic approach to addressing attentional difficulties and heightened motor activity
Year: 2007
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The study proposes an ecosystemic approach as an intervention for attentional \ndifficulties and heightened motor activity, traditionally known as AD/HD. A literature \nstudy of AD/HD is presented first as a psycho-educational frame of reference. The focus \nthen shifts to the symtoms of AD/DH to move closer to the possible underlying causes \nof these symptoms. In doing so, the focus changes from AD/HD as a diagnosis to \nattentional difficulties and heightened motor activity as presenting symptoms. Attention \nand motor activity as constructs are investigated in terms of their neuro-anatomical, \nneuro-chemical and neuro-physiological aspects. Furthermore, neurodevelopment, \nphysiological stress, neurodevelopmental delay, information processing systems, \nsensory-motor subsystems and integration as constructs are investigated to understand \ntheir role in attention and modulation of motor activity. \nThe study of attention and motor activity and their associated neurological factors \nmotivates an alternative, ecosystemic method of intervention. The proposed approach \nincludes an investigation into internal and external biochemical ecosystems such as \nenvironmental pollutants, deficiencies of essential nutrients and genetic deficiencies of \nthe immune system. Other aspects such as time, maturation and neurodevelopment are \nalso considered as well as the gentle interplay between these aspects. The therapeutic \nintervention includes sound therapy, neurodevelopmental movement activities, EEG \nneurofeedback and nutrition. \nExperimental research with a sample population of 12 diagnosed grade 4 and 5 AD/HD \nlearners over a 11 week period was conducted. Statistically significant improvements in \naspects of attention were noted using 2 standardised instruments and verification \nthrough parent interviews in the first and second experimental groups. Statistically \nsignificant improvements were noted in aspects of motor activity (a decline in \nhyperactive behaviour) in the second experimental group with verification from teacher \ninterviews. Additionally, children in the first experimental group improved significantly \nmore than children in the control group with regards to mathematic skills. The second experimental group showed significant improvement with large effect sizes on reading, \nmathematic skills and spelling. \nIn conclusion, the statistically significant results obtained with the proposed approach \nmotivates implementation, with improvements in attention, motor activity control and \nacademic performance as a prospect.
Author: Beulah Van der Westhuizen
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2157466951