A Grande Prairie Regional College Psychology graduate has taken her research to a bigger audience. On November 5th and 9th, Kara Witow presented findings from her study on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and children in sports to groups in Ottawa and Calgary. Witow says she was excited to get the chance to present.

“I’m really excited to represent GPRC. I want to show people that there are opportunities to conduct research outside of a larger institution.”

ADHD is a medical condition that affects attention and self-control. Children with ADHD sometimes experience learning delays and behavioural problems.

Witow says she decided to research the topic when she saw children with ADHD struggling to do what others their age were doing, like playing sports.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids with ADHD struggle to participate in some of the same activities as their friends… There are so many benefits to being involved in physical activity, so I really wanted to understand what exactly was stopping these kids from having a better experience.”

Witow’s research has yet to be peer reviewed or published, but with both presentations now behind her, she says she plans to pursue publication.