The Feasibility of a Brief Attention Training Technique in Improving Behaviour and Attention in Children With ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioural disorder characterised by core symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Its prevalence ranges between 3-9% of school-aged children, making it one of the most common presentations in child and adolescent mental health services.

In the last 10 years, research into the effectiveness of attention training as an intervention for children with ADHD has been increasing. This has tended to follow assumptions that children with the disorder either lack skills in focusing and maintaining their attention and/or have neurological deficits in areas responsible for attention functions. Results have been encouraging, with study participants demonstrating improvements in symptoms and behaviour following a course of attention training. However, the method and length of training has varied across studies.

This study aims to investigate a treatment called the Attention Training Technique (ATT) that approaches attention difficulties in this disorder from a different perspective. Instead of viewing inattention as a result of structural or skills deficits, it posits that children with ADHD have these skills, but are perhaps unaware of the flexibility and control they have over them. This treatment aims to increase this awareness and subsequently improve ratings of attention, behaviour and other areas of executive functioning.

Inclusion criteria

• Children with a formal diagnosis of ADHD as given by a psychiatrist or community paediatrician
• Children between the ages of 7 and 11. This age group was selected as previous research on attention training in this population has used this age group
• Children who are currently on a waiting list at a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) or a child psychology service, or being seen by a CAMHS or psychology service for medication review only
• Children who speak fluent English which will ensure they are able to comprehend the tasks instructions adequately.

Exclusion criteria

• Children who are not stabilised on stimulant medication and/or willing to maintain their medication type/dose
• Children with a major neurological illness or acquired central nervous system injury
• Children who at the point of referral have a co-existing diagnosis of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder
• Children who are currently in receipt of another non-pharmacological intervention for ADHD or who are currently taking part in another research trial