ERIC Number: EJ1034797
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Nov
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1087-0547
EISSN: N/A
Training Executive, Attention, and Motor Skills: A Proof-of-Concept Study in Preschool Children with ADHD
Halperin, Jeffrey M.; Marks, David J.; Bedard, Anne-Claude V.; Chacko, Anil; Curchack, Jocelyn T.; Yoon, Carol A.; Healey, Dione M.
Journal of Attention Disorders, v17 n8 p711-721 Nov 2013
Objective: To examine whether cognitive enhancement can be delivered through play to preschoolers with ADHD and whether it would affect severity of ADHD symptoms. Method: Twenty-nine 4- and 5-year-old children and their parents participated in separate group sessions (3-5 children/group). Child groups were introduced games designed to enhance inhibitory control, working memory, attention, visuospatial abilities, planning, and motor skills. Parent groups were encouraged playing these games with their children at least 30 to 45 min/day and taught strategies for scaffolding difficulty levels and dealing with obstacles to daily playing. Results: Parent ratings and session attendance indicated considerable satisfaction with the program. Parent (p < 0.001) and teacher (p = 0.003) ratings on the ADHD-Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) indicated significant improvement in ADHD severity from pre- to post-treatment, which persisted 3 months later. Conclusion: This play-based intervention for preschoolers with ADHD is readily implemented at home. Preliminary evidence suggests efficacy beyond the termination of active treatment.
Descriptors: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Preschool Children, Executive Function, Teaching Methods, Psychomotor Skills, Child Development, Cognitive Development, Play, Severity (of Disability), Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Games, Inhibition, Self Control, Short Term Memory, Visual Perception, Spatial Ability, Planning, Parent Education, Attendance, Satisfaction, Parent Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Rating Scales, Program Effectiveness, Questionnaires, Check Lists, Statistical Analysis
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (DHHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Behavior Assessment System for Children; Childhood Autism Rating Scale; Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale
Grant or Contract Numbers: R21MH085898