Audiovisual multisensory integration in young adults with and without a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with behavioural and neurophysiological characteristics. Several cortical structures that are altered in ADHD are involved in the process of multisensory integration (MSI). MSI is a fundamental form of sensory processing involved in many everyday tasks. Therefore, it is important to know whether those with ADHD experience altered MSI. Two different paradigms were used to assess MSI in adults with a diagnosis of ADHD. First, a simple response time (RT) task was completed. Electroencephalography (EEG) analysis revealed that those with ADHD had MSI occur, while there were significant differences in brain activity between groups. Study two employed a two-alternative forced-choice discrimination task. Those with ADHD responded faster than controls. EEG analysis revealed that those with ADHD have enhanced MSI. Activity differences were found in brain regions that are structurally altered in those with ADHD, indicating that structural alterations in ADHD may promote sensory processing.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Health Sciences (MHSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• McCracken, Heather

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Yielder, Paul
• Murphy, Bernadette

• Multisensory integration
• ADHD
• EEG
• Response time
• Audiovisual

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1058

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1058