Nº. 12 – Hyperactivity and Inattention Symptoms in Children, from Preschool Years to Grade 2

Based on data from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD), this article covers trajectories of hyperactivity and inattention behaviours in children between the ages of 3½ and 8 as reported by a parent (usually the mother).

To obtain a detailed portrait of the progress of hyperactivity and inattention behaviours, the results of our analyses are presented in a scale that combines both hyperactivity and inattention behaviours, and then a scale for each taken separately. We then explore associations between trends in these behaviours and various characteristics assessed in Grade 2 such as the level of hyperactivity and inattention and academic performance reported by the teacher, receiving a recognized diagnosis of attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity, taking medication to treat hyperactivity or inattention and the type of class the child is in. When the numbers permit, the results are presented by sex.