Parent Training Interventions for Young Children with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity. This is associated with significant impairment in behavioral, social, pre-academic and academic functioning. ADHD typically begins early in life, at a very young age and persist into elementary school, with impact that persists beyond adolescence into adulthood, if not intervened at the earliest.

Behavioral interventions are effective for improving a child’s behavior, self-control as well as self-esteem. It is found to be very effective in the management of ADHD in young children, especially when delivered by parents who are trained by experts in child guidance.

Initially detailed behavioral assessment of the child is done. Behavioral assessment consist of analysis of the behavior problems and its causes. Direct behavioral observation is the most important part of child behavioral assessment. Identify the discrete target behaviors to be modified. Systematic assessment of cognitive aspects of the behavior is necessary. Developmental, social and cultural factors that influence the child’s behavior should also be determined.

When parents are trained in behavioral interventions, they learn strategies for modifying the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity of children with ADHD. Learning and practicing these interventions, require few months of training by experts, but it has long-lasting benefits for the child and the parents.

Parents are taught the strategies that use positive reinforcement and consistent discipline to manage their child’s behavior. The strategies for positive ways of interaction and communication with their child are also taught. Activities are assigned for parents to be practiced at home. The progress is monitored regularly and training is provided to the parents. Re-evaluation of the treatment plans are done at regular intervals and strategies are adjusted according to the situations.

Parents have the greatest influence in modifying their young child’s behavior. Young children cannot change their behavior themselves. Hence parent training interventions are essential in the management of young children with ADHD and several scientific studies have proved the effectiveness of these interventions.

There is good evidence that parent training interventions are effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in pre-school children[1]. It is recommended as the first-line treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in pre-school children.[2]

References:

1. Daley D, Jones K, Hutchings J, Thompson M. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in pre-school children: current findings, recommended interventions and future directions. Child Care Health Dev. 2009 Nov;35(6):754-66.

2. Lange AM, Daley D, Frydenberg M, Rask CU, Sonuga-Barke E, Thomsen PH. The Effectiveness of Parent Training as a Treatment for Preschool Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled, Multicenter Trial of the New Forest Parenting Program in Everyday Clinical Practice. JMIR Res Protoc. 2016 Apr 13;5(2):e51.