ADHD & Organization
Visual Abstract
Efficacy of an Organization Skills Intervention to Improve the Academic Functioning of Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Improving School Performance in Kids with ADHD
Langberg, Joshua M., Epstein, Jeffery N., Urbanowicz, Christina M., Simon, John O., Graham, Amanda J.
Summarized by:
Charles Li, MD
December 21, 2023
study source
School Psychology Quarterly
2008
Improving School Performance in Kids with ADHD
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What they studied
Studied if an 8-week program improves organization skills in children with ADHD.
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What they found
After the program, children were better at organizing and managing homework; parents saw fewer homework problems.
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Why it matters
A focused program can help kids with ADHD improve their school organization and performance.
Objectives
The study focused on the effects of an 8-week organization skills program for children with ADHD. The main aim was to explore whether this intervention could make a difference in their academic lives.
Study Quote
The present study examined the pilot efficacy of an 8-week organization skills intervention for children with ADHD.
Methods
In this study, 37 children with ADHD were split into two groups: one received the program right away, and the other was a wait-list control group.
The intervention included a detailed manual, organization aids like checklists for binders and book bags, homework management through planner checks, and group activities. There was also a behavior and reward system, and parents were involved through evening sessions.
Study Quote
Thirty-seven children were randomly assigned to receive the intervention immediately or to a wait-list control.
Results
The children who participated in the program showed significant improvements in organization and homework management skills, and these improvements lasted even after 8 weeks. Parents noted fewer homework problems, and teachers observed better academic performance and higher GPAs in these students.
Study Quote
Participants made significant improvements in organization and homework management skills during the intervention and these gains were maintained at 8-week follow-up. Parents of children in the intervention group reported decreased homework problems. Children in the intervention group al...
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Conclusions
This study highlights how an 8-week organization skills program can significantly improve the academic functioning of children with ADHD. It suggests that targeted academic skills interventions can make a real difference.
Study Quote
This study suggests that targeted academic skills interventions have the potential to improve overall academic performance among children with ADHD.
Key Takeaways
Effective Skill Improvement
The intervention successfully enhanced organizational skills in children with ADHD.
Parental Observation
Parents reported seeing a noticeable decrease in homework issues.
Sustained Academic Gains
Children maintained their improved academic skills even after the program ended.
Context
Research like Hartung et al., 2022, indicates that such interventions can also aid college students with ADHD, leading to improvements in attention, self-concept, and organizational skills.
Abikoff H et al., 2009, showed that while ADHD medications like Ritalin can enhance organizational skills, though some children might still need additional support.