Evaluation of a pilot parent-delivered play-based intervention for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated a parent-delivered intervention aiming to address the social difficulties of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The intervention was evaluated from three perspectives: effectiveness, feasibility, and appropriateness.

METHOD. This one-group pretest-posttest study included 5 children with ADHD and their parents, who had previously participated in a therapist-delivered play-based intervention. The 7-wk parent-delivered intervention involved home modules (including a DVD, manual, and play dates with a typically developing playmate) and three therapist-led clinic-based play sessions. The Test of Playfulness was used as a preand postintervention and follow-up measure. Parents were interviewed 1 mo following the intervention, and data were analyzed for recurring themes.

RESULTS. Children's social play outcomes improved significantly from pretest to 1-mo follow-up (Z 5 2.02, p 5 .04, d 5 1.0). Three themes emerged: the clinic play environment as a sanctuary, parental barriers to intervention delivery, and tools for repeating learned lessons.

CONCLUSION. The parent-delivered intervention demonstrated preliminary evidence for feasibility and effectiveness. Further research is warranted regarding appropriateness.