Research Symposium

BIO

Madeline Tomasco is a sophomore double majoring in Political Science and Media Communications Studies pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University. The research opportunity provided by UROP has improved her skills in data extraction and analysis and has been an invaluable experience. She is a member of the University Honors Program and engages in the Honors community as an Honors Colloquium Leader. Furthermore, she is a member of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity as well as Delta Gamma. Madeline is a dedicated pre-law student with the intent of attaining a Juris Doctor degree and practicing as an attorney.

ADHD and Spatial Orientation: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This study evaluated spatial orientation abilities in individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) compared to neurotypical controls. ADHD is defined in the DSM-5-TR as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity interfering with functioning or development. Spatial orientation refers to the ability to perceive, interact with, and maintain awareness in a three-dimensional environment through integration of multisensory information. Spatial orientation has been associated with learning disabilities specific to geometric and mathematical reasoning. While prior research has studied spatial orientation and ADHD independently, their relationship has not been examined. Understanding this relationship may expand the scope of understanding of ADHD-related cognition and inform treatment approaches. This study holds importance as it examines under-researched aspects of neurodevelopment, addressing a significant gap in the existing literature. To investigate this relationship, a meta-analysis was conducted to review literature across databases using Covidence. The study began with 165 articles at the title and abstract stage, with 36 advancing to full-text review. Inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 18 articles being selected for extraction. Multiple reviewers were involved in the screening process, with consensus between two reviewers required for inclusion. Conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer to ensure reliability. Afterwards, relevant data were extracted and analyzed, providing a comprehensive overview of existing research on spatial orientation in ADHD. Expected results include ADHD groups exhibiting poorer spatial orientation abilities than neurotypical controls. Implications of these results will widen the scope of the current understanding of ADHD’s influence on cognition.

Keywords: ADHD Spatial Orientation Meta-Analysis