Effect of cognitive intervention on children with ADHD

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Occupational Therapy
• Child Psychology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Motor difficulties are frequently observed in children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), impacting daily functioning.
• There is a significant comorbidity rate, up to 50%, between ADHD and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) intervention for children with ADHD.
• To evaluate the impact of CO-OP on motor performance and goal attainment in this population.

Main Methods:

• A single-case experimental design with multiple baselines was employed.
• Six children diagnosed with ADHD participated in a 12-week CO-OP intervention program.
• Outcomes were assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Goal Attainment Scaling, and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and Performance (BOTMP).

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated significant improvements in achieving their self-identified goals.
• The intervention led to measurable enhancements in motor performance as indicated by standardized testing.
• Preliminary findings suggest CO-OP is effective in addressing motor-based performance issues in children with ADHD.

Conclusions:

• The CO-OP approach shows potential as an effective intervention for children with ADHD experiencing motor difficulties.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and expand the application of CO-OP for this population.
• These findings support the integration of cognitive strategy-based interventions for motor challenges in ADHD management.