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February 2, 20261 citationsOpen Access

The Impact of ADHD on Children’s Language Development

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DKDimitra V. KatsarouAAAsimina A. Angelidou

Key Points

  • This research aims to explore how ADHD influences various aspects of language development in children.
  • Conducted a systematic literature review following the PRISMA methodology.
  • Identified 475 records through database searches and reference screening.
  • Screened and applied inclusion criteria to determine 15 eligible studies for synthesis.
  • ADHD significantly impacts phonological awareness, pragmatic comprehension, morphosyntactic structure, narrative skills, and written expression.
  • Occupational therapists and psychologists play key roles in supporting language development in children with ADHD.
  • Interventions can enhance areas like phonological awareness and social skills training.

Abstract

Background: This research explores the complex relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and language skills, focusing on the impact of the disorder on children’s language development. It is designed as a systematic literature review to synthesize and evaluate existing evidence on this topic. Based on the existing literature, ADHD affects multiple dimensions of language, including phonological awareness, pragmatic comprehension, morphosyntactic structure, narrative skills, and written expression. The difficulties that children with ADHD exhibit at the language level are directly related to their deficits in working memory, attention, and organization, which make it challenging for them to acquire and use language at both educational and social levels. Methods: This study followed the PRISMA methodology, with a systematic selection process across four stages (identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion). During the identification phase, 475 records were identified (450 from database searches and 25 through reference screening). After screening and applying inclusion criteria, 15 studies met all eligibility requirements and were included in the final synthesis. Results: The present research highlighted the important role that occupational therapists and psychologists can play in the language development of children with ADHD. Strategic interventions to alleviate the language difficulties of children with ADHD are designed to enhance phonological awareness, executive function, speech and language, the use of technological tools, and social skills training. Conclusions: The importance of early diagnosis and implementation of holistic, individualized interventions targeting the language, executive, and social difficulties manifested by children with ADHD is considered influential in addressing the barriers to improving language skills as effectively as possible.

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Cite This Study

Katsarou et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6980ffe7c1c9540dea812d30https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020206
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