This assessment taken in the middle of the first year of my secondary education. It was taken for the purpose of monitoring the progress of sensory integration therapy.
Test of Variables of Attention – (TOVA)
TOVA is a computer-based test of visual and auditory attention. It provides information regarding the respondent’s ability to sustain both visual and auditory attention over time and to inhibit impulsive responding – two key areas fundamental to a diagnosis of an attentional disorder. Respondents are required to press a microswitch when presented with a target stimulus. Errors in terms of omissions and commissions are analyzed to provide information pertaining to attentiveness and impulsivity respectively. Examination of the test scores also provides specific information regarding the length of time for which respondents can sustain attention.
Scores on the Visual TOVA are within normal limits and are not suggestive of attention problem. Although the ADHD score on the Visual TOVA is 0.6, it might be regarded as somewhat inconclusive.
On the Auditory TOVA test, performance was not within normal limits. When the speed at which the stimuli were presented was doubled, child took a significantly longer time to respond. This indicates that child was trying not to make commission errors and suggests a tendency towards impulsivity.
The results of the test indicate that child has made significant gains since last tested over 3 years ago on the same test. At that point in time, child made many errors that indicated that she experienced serious challenges maintaining attention and resisting impulsivity. Child has made tremendous improvements since.