Objective:
Access to evidence-based psychosocial interventions for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a challenge in urban, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Approaches that leverage existing but underdeveloped workforces and connects these with well-established settings that treat ADHD offers an opportunity to address this barrier. This pilot study focused on a preliminary test of the potential utility of paraprofessional-delivered behavioral parent training (BPT) to parents of children with ADHD being treated in a developmental behavioral pediatric practice.
Method:
In an open clinical trial of 7 families, Family Peer Advocate paraprofessionals delivered BPT to parents of children with ADHD. Parent reports of their child’s ADHD symptoms/oppositional defiant behaviors and functional impairment were assessed before, weekly during BPT, and immediately after BPT. Parents report of their positive and negative parenting behaviors were assessed before and immediately after BPT.
Results:
Findings demonstrated that participation in BPT was associated with improvements in child- and parent-level outcomes, with moderate to large effects across outcomes.
Conclusions:
Integrating existing service systems with oversight through pediatric psychologists offers opportunities to efficiently utilize resources, thereby increasing access to evidence-based interventions for ADHD in urban, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
Implications for Impact Statement
This study advances the scope of paraprofessional involvement in formal pediatric settings. In addition, it highlights the potential effectiveness of peer-to-peer delivered services.
