Behavioral and Academic Progress of Children Displaying Substantive ADHD Behaviors in Special Education

Abstract

Objective: Exploring differences in behavioral and academic progress between children displaying substantive ADHD behaviors ( M age of 9.4 years) in special schools ( n = 38) and in inclusive education ( n = 26). The contribution of pedagogical strategies to positive outcomes was also examined. Method: Measurements used were the Teachers’ Report Form, the Social Emotional Questionnaire, assessments of academic achievement, and the Pedagogical Methods Questionnaire. Mixed-model ANOVAs and Pearson’s correlations were used to analyze the data. Results: Significant progress was found regarding disorder-specific problem behavior and in all academic areas, but no interaction effect was found between time and setting. Correlations indicated that positive behavior reinforcement and emotional support are the pedagogical strategies that contributed most to behavioral adaptation. Conclusion: Children displaying substantive ADHD behaviors in both groups develop equally well in the areas of behavioral and academic functioning where significant progress was found.