Benjamin Pearcy , 1 , Parma Barbaro 2 , Nathan Adey 2 , Lee-Ann Bamess 2 , Stephanie Curtis 2 , Sally Coombs 2 , Vincent Mancini 3 , Pradeep Rao 3
23 November 2020
Attention, ADHD, Parent, Early Intervention, Psychology, Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology
Background: The Complex Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorders Service (CAHDS) conduct caregiver information sessions across a number of different topics throughout each year. The aim of these workshops is to help caregivers better understand and relate to their child with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The four workshops cover different topics related to ADHD, and are facilitated by related disciplines. The topics covered include; understanding your childs behaviour, family self-care and stress management, Social connectedness and communication, sensory processing and ADHD.
Objective: To assess the efficacy of the caregiver information workshops on caregiver belief in their understanding, use of strategies, and resources, to help their child with ADHD.
Method: Caregivers who had children with or previously with the CAHDS service were invited to attend workshops held throughout the year. Caregivers complete a feedback survey before and after the session, and the results were compared. Data was collected from 2016 to 2019.
Results: For each of the workshop topics, caregivers reported a weak to moderate improvement in their understanding, strategies, and resources for helping their children with ADHD. Significance and sampling issues are discussed.
Conclusions: Information sessions for caregivers present as an efficacious treatment approach in the understanding and support of children with ADHD.
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