The effectiveness of visual perception training in improving the working memory of students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes a persistent attention-deficit or hyperactivity, which happens in childhood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of visual perception training in the improvement of the working memory of students with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This was an experimental research with pre-test, post-test and control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of all preschool male children with ADHD enrolled in preschool educational level in the city of Ardabil, among whom 30 participants were selected using screening method, after completing the structured clinical interview. They were randomly assigned, in equal numbers, into experimental and control groups. The intervention group received visual perception exercises for ten 45-minute sessions. The control group did not receive any intervention. The tools used in this study were the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Revised (Digit span) and the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form (CPRS-R: S). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of variance. The results showed that visual perception training was effective in improving the working memory of children with ADHD. Therefore, in addition to other training methods, visual perception can be used to improve the working memory of children with ADHD.