Investigating the relationship between neurological soft signs (nss), in the boys with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder, with the same signs in their mothers, and compiling a therapeutic approach for mothers and children: A mixed method research

In the recent years, there were several studies concerning the neurological soft signs (NSS) in attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, there were no study addressing either the possible relationship between these signs in children with ADHD and their mothers, or in proposing possible approaches in alleviating the ADHD signs, in the country.

The aim of this study was investigating the relationship between neurological soft signs and neuropsychological problems in male children with ADHD, and furthermore proposing approaches in alleviating the ADHD symptoms.

This was a mixed methods research, in which, in the first phase (Quantitative) descriptive and correlational method was used, and in the second phase (Qulitative) according to the findings, the thematic network (Attride and Stirling) was utilized in designing some activities for alleviating the signs of both mothers and children. The statistical population was comprised of all of the male primary students in Isfahan city, who were referred to five therapeutic centers in 2016. From 170 referred students One hundred were randomly selected, and then both the students and their mothers were asked to complete Cambridge neuropsychological questionnaire (1995. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation test and multiple linear regression analysis.

Following the analysis of data, the results of correlation and regression calculation, showed a significant correlation between neurological soft signs in children and their mothers, (r= 0.23). Furthermore, ther found positive correlations between total score of NSS in children with motor coordination in mothers (r= 0.71); total score of NSS in mothers with motor coordination (r= 0.68) and response control (r= 0.77) in children; and finally the correlation of subtest between mothers anf children were significant as well. In the qualitative phase, the basic themes (NSS in mothers and children), integrative themes (motor coordination, sensory integration and response control) and global themes (designed activities) were specified throough using themathic network, and then therapeutic program was compiled and validated for them.

Significant relationship of NSS and ADHD signs between mothers and children suggested that there might be a neuropsychologic substrate for the signs, and accordingly the on-time diagnosis and implementing suitable therapeutic methods are necessary for both children and mothers.