Examining the Effectiveness of Play-Based Interventions with a Focus on Executive Functioning Deficits for Children with ADHD

This research examines the effectiveness of an intervention (ADHD Brain Smart Program) developed by Dr. Duane Isava. Utilizing play-based interventions, the Program is designed for school aged-children (ages 6 to 11 years) with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or executive functioning deficits. The Tasks of Executive Function (TEC) and Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch) were administered to participants, pre- and post- intervention, in addition to the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales (Conners CBRS). Parents and teachers were asked to complete the BRIEF and Conners CBRS pre- and post- intervention. Parents were also asked to complete the Parenting Stress Index, Fourth Edition (PSI-4) pre- and post- intervention. Results from this study revealed significance in the following: Response Inhibition scales on BRIEF Parent rating and TEA-Ch, Anxiety and Depression subscales of the Conners CBRS Parent rating, and the Distractibility/hyperactivity and Competence subscales of PSI-4. Findings from this study suggests the importance of combining both collateral support (parents and teachers) and child-focused interventions to develop more comprehensive interventions aimed at treating children with a diagnosis of ADHD and/or executive functioning deficits.