Diagnosis, modality, and signal-to-noise ratio all affected the ability to process speech in noise. The interaction between the diagnosis of ADHD, the presence of visual cues, and the level of noise had an effect on a person's ability to process speech in noise. conclusion: Young adults with ADHD benefited less from visual information during noise than young adults without ADHD, an effect influenced by working memory abilities.

Synthesis of findings from the five top-rated reviews and the literature on ADHD suggest that psychosocial treatments contribute to improvements on behavioral and social outcomes. How ADHD and LD interplay in treatment outcomes is largely unexplored.

Objective: This review appraised the quality of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) to summarize research on behavioral interventions for attention disorders in persons with traumatic brain injury. Methods: A search of 7 databases revealed 15 MAs/SRs reporting outcomes for attention treatments in traumatic brain injury. Two examiners independently coded the quality of reviews with the Critical Appraisal of Systematic Review or Meta-Analysis and the Evidence in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systematic Review Scale. Results: The findings of both scales were highly correlated. Four reviews were conducted with high methodologic rigor indicated by a score of 60% or greater on both scales. No other study scored above 45%. Among the well-conducted SRs/MAs, evidence for direct attention training effects was limited to basic attention exercises, with little generalization to functional activities. Strategy training for activities and tasks requiring attentional abilities had a stronger evidence base in 1 rigorous MA. Conclusions: This appraisal provides valuable practice information. The conclusions of 4 rigorous reviews suggest that there is only limited positive scientific support for the effects of attention treatments for traumatic brain injury. Future SRs/MAs would benefit from adherence to review guidelines.

This study examined the effect of levels of working memory capacity, levels of background noise, and audiovisual cues on adults' ability to process speech when listening in noise. A mixed design was used to examine the effects of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR, 6 levels), audiovisual condition (audio vs. audiovisual), and working memory capacity on speech recognition. Ninety-six participants between the ages of 18 35 without a history of hearing loss or cognitive impairment were recruited for this research project. Working memory capacity mediated speech processing in noise during the auditory only listening condition. The reliance on working memory capacity increased as noise level increased. There was no interaction effect between working memory capacity and the audiovisual listening condition. People with a high working memory capacity have an advantage when listening to speech in noisy backgrounds. The level of the noise makes the biggest difference in a person's ability to recognize speech and performance can be improved with the inclusion of audiovisual cues. The effects of low signal-to-noise ratios can be mitigated with audiovisual cues independent of attentional control mechanisms.

Caregivers of individuals with disabilities can experience stress as they manage caregiving responsibilities while they attempt to balance family, work, and the satisfaction of their personal goals. In this pilot study, 31 caregivers of individuals with a variety of disabilities completed a quantitative-qualitative survey. A statistically significant relationship was found between the age and severity of disability of the family member receiving care, the length of time care had been provided, the educational level and the relationship of the caregiver to the family member and reported feelings of optimism, humbleness, quality of family relationships, financial concerns, loss of control, and hope. When life goals were probed, the most common reported were achieving financial stability, having a strong, healthy family, and experiencing happiness. The implications for supporting caregivers and their families are discussed.