Inspection time and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children with cerebral palsy.

Objective: To examine between-groups differences in the associations between aspects of processing speed assessed with an inspection time task and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Research Design: Two groups comprising 34 children with cerebral palsy (CP) and 70 nonaffected peers (control), ages 8-16 years, participated in a prospective correlational study. Measures included a visual inspection time task and the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Long Version.

Results: Children with CP exhibited significantly slower processing speed and more symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity than controls. Significant associations between inspection time and ADHD symptoms were found only in the control group.

Conclusions: Findings have implications for clinical assessment and understanding of attentional risks associated with CP.