Reimagining the ADHD Experience: Transforming Parent Engagement in ADHD Care

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Families of children with ADHD require enhanced support for effective care management.
• Parental engagement is crucial for improving outcomes in children with ADHD.
• Existing resources may not adequately address the educational needs of parents at the time of diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an evidence-informed parent tool, The ADHD Playbook.
• To increase parental knowledge and confidence in managing childhood ADHD.
• To provide a user-centered resource for primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• The ADHD Playbook was designed based on American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines and literature review.
• Development incorporated parent and physician feedback for a user-centered approach.
• The tool was created to be evidence-informed and professionally designed.

Main Results:

• The ADHD Playbook addresses unmet educational needs for families of children with ADHD.
• It is designed for use in primary care at the time of ADHD diagnosis, meeting a critical need.
• The tool aims to enhance parental engagement and advocacy in child ADHD care.

Conclusions:

• The ADHD Playbook offers a scalable solution to support families with childhood ADHD.
• It has the potential to reduce healthcare barriers and improve equity by integrating resources into primary care.
• This tool can empower parents as informed caregivers and advocates for their children with ADHD.