The use of the concentrated attention test (AC) for the child and adolescent population

a contribution to neuropsychological assessment

Abstract

Attention is considered an important brain function to mental integration and is recognized as the most important prerequisite for the manifestation of intellect and capacity for reflection. The Test AC assesses an individual’s ability to focus, select and keep attention on target stimuli, among various stimuli available. This instrument is standardized for the adult population, making it necessary to expand the standards for other age groups, since it is a valuable resource in the investigation of attention. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of children and adolescents in AC Test, verify validity evidence and elaborate standardization norms for this population. Participants were a total 404 pupils aged between 6 and 16 years, enrolled between the 1st and the 9th year, public and private schools in a city in the interior of São Paulo. The results showed evidence of developmental validity and significant differences in the variables: type of school, age and education and allowed the development of standardized norms for child and adolescent population, showing to be an excellent resource to be used in neuropsychological assessment of children and adolescents.