This was observed in a new study, which suggests that these children have increased risks, but several of the reasons remain unclear.
Let’s say someone with ADHD is riding a bicycle. Travelling on bicycles requires making decisions and acting quickly. ADHD gives children deficits in both of these areas. The corresponding author, Molly Nikolas (Assistant Professor, Psychological and Brain Sciences department, University of Iowa), stated that the study was initiated because bicycle crashes are currently a leading cause of severe injury for children. Bicycle-related injuries in children have reached nearly 400,000. The study collects this information from U.S. emergency departments.
Lab-based, stationary bicycles were used on 27 children with ADHD. Another 36 children, without ADHD or any other disorder, also participated. All were aged 10 to 14. They were made to cross busy intersections through computer simulation. Children with ADHD were allowed a pause for their medication at the time of the tests.
The children without ADHD crossed streets and intersections when they found gaps of equal length between cars. ADHD affected kids were found to be less precise in timing. To enter the intersection at a slower pace is dangerous.
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The study in the December issue of Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry highlights a few more things about exposing youngsters with ADHD to heavy traffic. The children with ADHD did not wait for the wider gaps to occur. Choosing shorter gaps increased their risk of accidents, since shorter gaps require different readjustments than in smooth-flowing traffic. There is a problem with the timing issues that arise out of inattentiveness, while hyperactivity and impulsiveness control the decisions about choosing gaps for crossing. All these are core symptoms of ADHD.
The best way to help these children is to teach them how to look out for longer gaps between cars, under any traffic condition. Even with off-timings, a big enough gap can prove a saviour. With intervention and/or prevention strategies, focus could be given to decision-making which can help to compensate the timing deficits to a large extent.
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Conclusion :
Children with ADHD face higher accident risks, especially in traffic situations that demand focus and quick decisions. Inattention affects timing, while impulsivity leads to riskier choices, such as crossing with shorter gaps. The good news is that these risks can be reduced. With the right guidance and training, children with ADHD can learn safer decision-making skills and navigate their surroundings more confidently.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
