Naming Speed and its effect on attentional variables and reading errors depending on the diagnosis

While naming speed, which is usually assessed with tests such as RAN/RAS, has proven to be useful in predicting certain reading errors and attentional difficulties, the variables that predict performance in the test have not been examined before now. The objective of this study is to test the explanatory power of certain reading and attentional variables over naming speed performance depending on diagnosis. A sample of 132 students, divided into four groups (Control, n=34; Reading difficulties, n= 22; ADHD, n=41; and ADHD+Reading Difficulties, n=35) was used. The results show: 1) without any difficulties, naming speed is explained by IQ, age and gender; 2) in the presence of reading difficulties, reading errors are the variables with more explanatory power; 3) in the presence of attentional difficulties, certain attentional variables such as those provided by the TOVA test were shown to be more significant.