Assessing the three attentional networks in children from three to six years: A child-friendly version of the Attentional Network Test for Interaction
Maria Casagrande, Andrea Marotta, Diana Martella, Elisa Volpari, Francesca Agostini, Francesca Favieri, Giuseppe Forte, Monica Rea, Rosa Ferri, Vito Giordano, Fabrizio Doricchi, Jasmine Giovannoli
Abstract
Attention involves three functionally and neuroanatomically distinct neural networks: alerting, orienting, and executive control. This study aimed to analyze the development of attentional networks in children aged between 3 and 6 years using a child-friendly version of the Attentional Network Test for Interaction (ANTI), the ANTI-Birds. The sample included 88 children divided into four age groups: 3-year-old, 4-year-old, 5-year-old, 6-year-old children. The results of this study would seem to indicate that between 4 and 6 years, there are no significant changes in attentional networks. Instead, between 3 and 4 years of age, children significantly improve all their attentional skills.