Improving the Concentration of Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Electroencephalographic Analysis on the Effect of Learning Activity Interventions

Ming-Hseuh Tsai ； Sy-Ruen Huang ； Shao-Chin Chang ； Yu-Ling Lo ； Yun-Chieh Lu

《International Journal of Intelligent Technologies and Applied Statistics》 13卷1期 (2020/03) Pp. 49-63

https://doi.org/10.6148/IJITAS.202003_13(1).0003

摘要

This study examined whether the learning concentration of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be improved through participation in one-on-one learning activities. A total of 13 students with ADHD or ASD were recruited to participate in various weekly one-on-one learning activities, in an effort to improve the concentration of students with special needs. Brainwave data were collected through electroencephalography and analyzed to explore students' concentration performance in different learning activities. To achieve the objective of this study, a multi-baseline design (ABAB), a type of single-subject design method, was employed. The experiment spanned 21 weeks, covering a fall and a spring semester: the first three weeks were defined as the 1st baseline phase, the 4th to 10th weeks as the 1st experimental phase, the 11th to 13th weeks as the 2nd baseline phase, and the 14th to 21th weeks as the 2nd experimental phase. The learning activities took place in the morning self-study period once a week, and the experiment was only suspended during two of the weeks because of school events. The purpose of the two baseline phases was to collect students' brainwave data. Students' brainwaves were measured for two minutes under two scenarios; first, while they were relaxed with eyes looking straight ahead; second, they were reading a passage. The purpose of the two experimental phases was to gradually enhance students' concentration by training them to perceive their own emotions through brainwave lamps. Initial results yielded different brainwave data for students with different types of disorders. After participating in the training on learning concentration, some students demonstrated improved concentration; however, after the 2nd experimental phase, students' concentration declined. The reason was that the activities in both experimental phases were identical, and thus, they no longer provoked students' interest or helped maintain their concentration. Comprehensive analysis of the individuals in this study and the research findings and suggestions are discussed.

關鍵字

Brainwave test ； Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ； Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ； Concentration