University of Glasgow study links maternal response timing to childhood ADHD risk

A preliminary study led by Bethany Stanley at the University of Glasgow suggests that the timing of maternal responses to infant vocalizations may serve as an early marker for certain psychiatric diagnoses in childhood.

Analyzing data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in England, researchers examined the “turn-taking” interactions between mothers and their infants at 12 months of age. The study focused on the frequency with which mothers responded to their baby’s vocalizations within one second.

The findings indicate that for every 10-percentage-point increase in the rate of maternal responses occurring within one second, the likelihood of a child being diagnosed with ADHD at age seven decreased by approximately 21 percent. Similarly, the risk of disruptive behavior disorders decreased by about 20 percent. No significant correlation was found regarding autism or emotional disorders.

Researchers noted that while these results are preliminary due to small sample sizes and audio quality, analyzing infant-caregiver vocal exchanges could potentially provide clues for early intervention and support in child development.