The academic community, together with clinical professionals and companies, is dedicated to advancing how ADHD and attention-related challenges are understood and managed. One key area of interest is how children process auditory and visual stimuli—an area that significantly impacts their daily experiences, especially in learning environments. In that sense, the Nesplora Attention Kids Aula test, a cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) tool, offers unique insights into how children, both with and without ADHD, respond to these stimuli.
In a recent study titled «Differences in Sensory Processing in Children Using the AULA Test: A Comparative Analysis of Auditory and Visual Stimuli» the research team explored how children, both with typical development and those suspected of having ADHD, process auditory and visual stimuli. By comparing responses to auditory and visual stimuli, we can better understand how children with ADHD perceive and interact with the world around them.
Why Sensory Processing Matters in ADHD
Visual and auditory stimuli can interact with each other to improve understanding of the environment. For example, in a video game, hearing helps the individual understand what is being played. Similarly, sight can help the person understand the rhythm and movement of the notes on sheet music when listening to music.
Prioritising one type of stimulus over the other can help children regulate sensory processing, improve concentration, and foster better behavioural control. (Rebon-Ortiz et al., 2024, p.16)
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects millions of children worldwide, leading to challenges in maintaining focus, regulating behaviour, and processing sensory information. Sensory processing -particularly how a child handles auditory and visual stimuli-, plays a crucial role in these areas. For instance, a child might struggle more with visual tasks, like reading, while finding it easier to respond to auditory cues, such as verbal instructions. Understanding these sensory preferences can make a big difference in how we approach ADHD. That’s where the Aula test comes in: by placing children in a realistic VR classroom environment, the Aula test measures their attention and response to various sensory inputs—specifically auditory and visual stimuli. This allows us to pinpoint where a child’s strengths and challenges lie, providing valuable data to guide tailored interventions.
What the Aula Test Indicates About Sensory Processing in Children
This mentioned study examined how children process auditory and visual stimuli using the Aula test. The researchers have compared two groups: typically developed (TD) children and those suspected of having ADHD. Here’s what it was found:
Auditory vs. Visual Attention
One of the standout findings was that typically developed children generally didn’t show major differences in how they responded to auditory versus visual stimuli. However, when the team looked more closely, they noticed that children were slightly faster at responding to auditory stimuli compared to visual ones. On the flip side, they were more likely to miss visual cues—especially younger children up to around 9 years old. And when the team focused on the group of children suspected of having ADHD, things got more interesting: these children showed a clear preference for auditory stimuli over visual ones. This preference was particularly strong in boys, who continued to favour auditory input as they grew older. For girls, the preference for auditory stimuli seemed to taper off after around age 9.
These findings are instrumental in establishing a knowledge base on the importance of visual and auditory stimuli as the primary variables in AULA. When a test is administered to an examinee and their performance deviates from that of the general population, this incongruity must be explicitly noted in the report to the clinician, as this information is crucial to helping children regulate their sensory processing, thus improving their ability to concentrate and control their behaviours (Rebon-Ortiz, 2024, p.16-17)
Why These Findings Matter
These findings are important for different reasons.
- For one, they suggest that children with ADHD might find it easier to focus on tasks that are more auditory in nature, like listening to instructions or engaging in verbal activities.
- On the other hand, they might struggle more with tasks that rely heavily on visual attention, such as reading or following written instructions.
- For educators, parents, and clinicians, understanding these sensory preferences can help tailor support to better suit each child’s needs. For example, in a classroom setting, incorporating more auditory elements into lessons might help children with ADHD stay engaged and focused. Conversely, strategies to strengthen visual attention, like using visual aids or breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, could be beneficial.
Applying These Insights to Support Children with ADHD
So, how can we use these insights to better support children with ADHD? First and foremost, it’s about recognising that every child processes information differently. The Aula test is an incredibly valuable tool as it provides a detailed look at how a child responds to different types of sensory input in a controlled, yet realistic, setting. For children with ADHD, especially those who show a strong preference for auditory stimuli, interventions could focus on enhancing their visual processing skills. This might include activities that gradually increase visual demands in a supportive environment. On the other hand, leveraging their strength in auditory processing can help keep them engaged in tasks that might otherwise be challenging. Moreover, the differences observed between boys and girls highlight the need for tailored approaches based on individual needs. Boys with ADHD, who often show a preference for auditory stimuli, might benefit from interventions that specifically target their visual processing. Girls, on the other hand, might require a more balanced approach as they grow older, focusing equally on both auditory and visual stimuli.
The Power of Personalised Insights with the Aula Test
Nesplora Aula’s ability to simulate real-world distractions and measure how children process auditory and visual stimuli makes it an indispensable tool in understanding and managing ADHD. By providing personalised insights, we can better support children in their learning environments and help them overcome the challenges that come with ADHD.
At Nesplora, we’re committed to using the latest technology to bring these insights to life. Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or parent, the Aula test offers a powerful way to understand and support the unique sensory processing needs of children.
As we continue to explore and refine our understanding of sensory processing, we look forward to sharing more insights and developing even better tools to help children thrive. Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on how we’re pushing the boundaries of neuropsychological assessment with virtual reality.
Research article reference
- Rebon-Ortiz,F., Ahmed-Mahmoud, N., Ursu, Z., Lobo, A., Sales-Grade, J. (2024). Differences in sensory processing in children using the AULA test: A comparative analysis of auditory and visual stimuli. BPA – Applied Psychology Bulletin I Giunti Psychometrics. https://doi.org/10.26387/bpa.2024.00007
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