A cueing procedure to control impulsivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

This study tested the efficacy of a cueing procedure for improving the impulse regulation of four boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during social skills training. Impulse regulation was defined as raising hands before speaking. Effects on collateral behaviors (i.e., talking out to turn) were also assessed. A reversal design was used. Behavioral data collected by independent observers suggested that all subjects demonstrated positive changes in impulse regulation (i.e., an increase in the frequency with which subjects raised their hand before speaking). Likewise, the treatment effects appeared to have produced positive effects on a behavior not directly targeted for intervention (i.e., talk outs). In general, behavioral changes were considered to be socially valid and the treatment agents viewed the cueing procedure very positively.