Language Delay and Hyperactivity in Preschoolers: Evidence for a Distinct Subgroup of Hyperactives*

Abstract

The possibility of a separate subgroup of language-delayed hyperactive preschoolers was explored. Cognitive and demographic variables of a series of cases at the Royal Ottawa Hospital Preschool Program were examined. A group of language-delayed hyperactive preschoolers was compared with a non-language delayed group of hyperactives and a non-hyperactive clinical comparison group. Significant differences between the language-delayed hyperactives and the two comparison groups were found on such variables as IQ, expressive language, receptive language, and visual-motor integration. The evidence presented supports the possibility of a separate subroup of hyperactive preschoolers with language delay and hyperactivity. The implications for both practice and theory are discussed and suggestions are made for further research.