Growth Patterns of Neuropsychological Functions in Indian Children

• Main Authors: Bhoomika eKar, Shobini eRao, B A Chandramouli, K eThennarasu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2011-11-01
• Series: Frontiers in Psychology
• Subjects: Children; cognitive development; growth patterns; neuropsychological measures; nonlinear growth models
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00240/full

We investigated age-related differences in neuropsychological performance in 400 Indian school children (5-15 years of age). Functions of motor speed, attention, executive functions, visuospatial functions, comprehension, learning and memory were examined. Growth curve analysis was performed. Different growth models fitted different cognitive functions. Neuropsychological task performance improved slowly between 5-7 years, moderately between 8-12 years and again slowly between 13-15 years. The overall growth patterns of neuropsychological functions in Indian children have also been discussed with the findings reported on American children.The present work describes nonlinear, heterogeneous and protracted age trends of neuropsychological functions in Indian children and adolescents.