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Effects of the SAFE Children preventive intervention on developmental trajectories of attention-deficit/hyperactivity
Patrick J Fowler1, David B Henry2, Michael Schoeny3
1Washington University in St. Louis.
Insights
A family-based intervention improved early attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in at-risk children. However, a later booster intervention did not enhance these preventive effects over five years.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
- Preventive Interventions
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder impacting children's academic and social functioning.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for mitigating the long-term effects of ADHD symptoms.
- Family-based approaches show promise in addressing the complex needs of children at risk for ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a family-based preventive intervention (SAFE Children) in altering the developmental trajectory of ADHD symptoms in first-grade children.
- To assess the impact of a booster intervention in fourth grade on sustained preventive effects.
- To identify distinct developmental pathways of ADHD symptoms in an inner-city population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 424 families with children entering first grade.
- Intervention group received the Schools and Families Educating Children (SAFE) Children program, combining family prevention and academic tutoring.
- Growth mixture modeling was used to analyze longitudinal parent and teacher reports of ADHD symptoms over five years.
Main Results:
- The initial SAFE Children intervention positively influenced developmental trajectories for impulsivity and hyperactivity.
- This suggests potential for ADHD prevention in at-risk youth through early, comprehensive interventions.
- A booster intervention in fourth grade did not yield additional benefits on ADHD symptom trajectories or indicators.
Conclusions:
- Early family-based interventions can positively impact the developmental course of ADHD symptoms in young children.
- The findings highlight the potential for preventive strategies in addressing ADHD in underserved populations.
- Further research is needed to optimize the timing and components of booster interventions for sustained effects.
Abstract:
This study examined whether a family-based preventive intervention for inner-city children entering the first grade could alter the developmental course of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Participants were 424 families randomly selected and randomly assigned to a control condition (n = 192) or Schools and Families Educating Children (SAFE) Children (n = 232). SAFE Children combined family-focused prevention with academic tutoring to address multiple developmental-ecological needs. A booster intervention provided in the 4th grade to randomly assigned children in the initial intervention (n =101) evaluated the potential of increasing preventive effects. Follow-up occurred over 5 years with parents and teachers reporting on attention problems. Growth mixture models identified multiple developmental trajectories of ADHD symptoms. The initial phase of intervention placed children on more positive developmental trajectories for impulsivity and hyperactivity, demonstrating the potential for ADHD prevention in at-risk youth, but the SAFE Children booster had no additional effect on trajectory or change in ADHD indicators.
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