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Updated: Jun 21, 2025

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Examining the effectiveness of a social-play-based programme to reduce symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Abdulaziz Abdullah Alothman1, Hesham Fathy Gadelrab2, Mona Tawakkul Ebrahim3
1Department of Special Education, College of Education, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
A social-play intervention significantly reduced Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in Saudi boys. These improvements in ADHD behaviors were sustained at follow-up, suggesting play-based programs benefit children.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Educational Interventions
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition impacting children's social interactions and well-being.
- ADHD affects relationships with parents, peers, and educators, necessitating effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a social-play-based intervention program for reducing ADHD symptoms.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on Saudi boys aged 8-10 diagnosed with ADHD.
Main Methods:
- An experimental group received ten 60-minute social-play sessions twice weekly for 5 weeks.
- A control group followed the standard school curriculum.
- Parent and teacher ratings using Conners' scales were collected at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- The intervention group exhibited significant reductions in ADHD-associated behaviors with moderate to large effect sizes.
- No significant changes in ADHD symptoms were observed in the control group.
- Symptom reduction was maintained at a 2-month follow-up assessment.
Conclusions:
- Social-play-based activities and skill training should be integrated into school settings.
- Reducing ADHD symptoms through such interventions may enhance academic performance and school attitudes.
Background:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children, and can profoundly affect their social interactions, well-being, and relationships with parents, peers, and teachers.
Objective:
This study investigated the effectiveness of a social-play-based intervention programme in reducing ADHD symptoms in a sample of 67 Saudi boys aged 8-10 diagnosed with ADHD.
Methods:
The programme consisted of ten 60-minute sessions of play-based activities, delivered to the experimental group twice weekly for 5 weeks. The control group followed the usual school curriculum. Teachers and parents completed the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form and Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form for all participants at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up.
Results:
The experimental group showed a significant reduction in ADHD-associated behavioural problems over time, with moderate to large effect sizes. No significant changes over time were found for the control group. The results were maintained at a 2-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
We recommend incorporating social-play-based activities and skill training into the school context. Reducing ADHD symptoms may improve children's academic performance and perspective on school.
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