Research Centre: Flinders University
Location: Sturt Rd, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia
Lead Researcher: Dr. Paul Constable
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Flinders University Human Research Ethics Committee

About the Study

Caring for a child with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) can be both challenging and rewarding. If your child was diagnosed with either ADHD or ADD at a later age, managing their condition and finding interventions that work can be tough. An earlier diagnosis of these conditions can make a big difference in improving a child’s quality of life. 

This study aims to investigate the retina’s response to light in children with ADHD and ADD. The results of this study will help researchers understand differences in behavioural patterns in neurodevelopmental disorders and help in the early detection and long-term management of neurodevelopmental conditions. It may also help in differentiating autism, ADHD, and ADD so that children can receive interventions to improve their quality of life at an earlier age.

Why Participate? 

• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit kids struggling with ADHD and ADD in the future. 
• Participants will be compensated $50 for participating in this study. 
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research on neurodevelopmental disorders.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Children aged 5-16 who are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Must be able to follow simple verbal instructions
• Parents must be willing and able to provide a copy of their child’s confirmed diagnosis and any clinical reports
• Must be able to attend a 15-minute study visit at the research site

More Study Details 

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will be asked to take a simple non-invasive test that will require them to look into a small screen that shows 2 brief flashes of white light for about 15-20 seconds in each eye. 
  • There will be rest between each of the flashes that have different brightnesses. A recording of the retina’s response is made from the electrodes that stick to the skin below the eye. The sticky electrode on the surface of the skin is not uncomfortable. 
  • The light flashes are less than those encountered in a flash photograph and are not bright enough to cause discomfort.
  • This test is non-invasive, which means that no object will make contact with your child’s eye, and no eye drops are used.

About the Research Center:

Flinders University
For over 50 years, Flinders has been a centre of inspiring achievement: from their pioneering research and excellence in teaching to the positive impact they have in the communities they serve. Their strong network of external links keeps their work dynamic, enabling them to connect across barriers to create enterprising solutions for the future, to make a difference by changing lives and, ultimately, the world.

Please note:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance. All staff is vaccinated and they advise you to stay away if you have flu-like symptoms. These are the requirements for someone attending the study site:

• Must be asymptomatic
• Must wear new cloth mask at all times
• Must do SA Health Covid check-in
• Must complete COVID questionnaire on entry
• Must provide vax status to the staff to follow SA Health Guidelines in the event of a positive case in the clinic.