Distance Learning in Children with and without ADHD: A Case-control Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: This research involved the parents of ADHD students to explore how their children coped with online distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic and what implications this schooling method had on their emotional and behavioral well-being.

Method: Data were collected during lockdown using an online questionnaire addressed to 100 mothers and were compared with 184 matched controls from a national survey launched in the same period.

Results: Attention span, spontaneous commitment, and autonomy in distance learning was found to be more limited in ADHD group. Compared to controls, 21.7% of ADHD students were not assessed and 40.9% did not receive grades. Behavioral changes were reported in both groups (64.2%), represented mainly by restlessness, aggressiveness, and anxiety.

Conclusion: Distance education increases academic difficulties, especially in ADHD pupils. The effects of lockdown should be adequately evaluated upon school reopening and appropriate recovery interventions should be planned.

Keywords: ADHD; case-control; child psychology; coronavirus; distance education; health services.