ADHD is associated with poor attention and concentration, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Not surprisingly, it is also associated with increased risk of child injury. We’ve investigated why: what aspects of ADHD increase children’s risk of injury? Our studies suggest risk factors may change as children get older. Among younger children, oppositionality — poor compliance to rules and directives — may play an important role. As children get older, the more classic symptoms of ADHD — impulsivity and inattention — seem to create greater risk.

Sample Publications

• Stavrinos, D., Biasini, F. J., Fine, P. R., Hodgens, J. B., Khatri, S., Mrug, S., & Schwebel, D. C. (2011). Mediating factors associated with pedestrian injury in children with ADHD. Pediatrics, 128, 296-302.
• Schwebel, D. C., Tavares, C. L., Lucas, E. K., Bowling, E. B., & Hodgens, J. B. (2007). Unintentional injury risk in children with externalizing behavior disorders at summer camp. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 14, 145-151.
• Schwebel, D. C., Hodgens, J. B., & Sterling, S. (2006). How mothers parent their children with behavior disorders: Implications for unintentional injury risk. Journal of Safety Research, 37, 167-173.
• Schwebel, D. C., Speltz, M. L., Jones, K., & Bardina, P. (2002). Unintentional injury in preschool boys with and without early onset of disruptive behavior. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 27, 727-737.