title: Sustained Attention at Age 5 Predicts Attention-Related Problems at Age 9.
abstract: This study tested whether two aspects of sustained attention (focused attention and lack of impulsivity) measured at child age 5 predicted attention problems reported by mothers and teachers at age 9. Because lack of impulsivity reflects the executive control network, and ADHD is commonly characterized as a deficit in executive function, it was expected to have more predictive power than focused attention. Data were drawn from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Focused attention and lack of impulsivity, measured in a laboratory task at age 5, were equally predictive of attention problems at age 9, including the mother's report of whether the child had been diagnosed with ADHD. However, age 9 teacher-reported hyperactivity was not predicted by focused attention, and only marginally predicted by lack of impulsivity. Results complement an earlier study showing that both focused attention and lack of impulsivity at age 5 predicted children's approaches to learning at age 9 (Razza, Martin, & Brooks-Gunn, 2011).
authors.affiliation: National Center for Children and Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120  Street, Box 39, New York, NY 10027,  arm53@columbia.edu ,  jb224@columbia.edu.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Razza
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brooks-Gunn