A case study of ADHA/ Dyslexia on improvement of attention and student engagement

Abstract

Children with ADHD and Learning Difficulties experience low engagement in school. Studies have found that mindfulness training exercise could be quite encouraging on improving attention difficulties and as a result improve student engagement. The current research was an exploratory study that was held with one participant. The participant was a 13 years and 4 months adolescent who has been diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia. The participant was attending the 8th grade in an International School and he was receiving special education services regarding his learning difficulties. For the purpose of this study an intervention of a 6-week mindfulness based exercise was implemented. The sessions were adjusted in order to meet the participant's special needs and did not last longer than 15 minutes. Two questionnaires were used to assess attention problems and school engagement. The Youth Self-Report (YSR)and Student Engagement Instrument (SEI) were used respectively and were completed pre and post intervention. This study explored how mindfulness training programs could assist adolescents that meet criteria for ADHD and Learning Difficulties on improving attention problems and school engagement. The results from the Student Engagement Instrument showed a slight improvement in the subcategory of cognitive engagement. The Youth Self-Report pre and post intervention presented improvement in Attention problems and Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder subscales.