ADHD in Early Childhood: Predictors of Change Related to Treatment and Development

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to 11% of individuals, causing impairment in academic, social, and work abilities. The trajectory of ADHD symptomology can be impacted by a myriad of factors, including caregiver parenting practices, levels of parent stress, and amount of support received. Symptoms of ADHD can change over time and this may be especially true in young children with or at-risk for ADHD. The current study evaluated the predictive relationship between parent-related variables at pre-treatment (positive parenting, parenting stress, and treatment receipt) and child behavior outcomes for children between the ages of 3 and 5 with ADHD following the completion of a behavioral parent training program. Participants included 47 families of young children with ADHD who were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups or a wait-list-control group. Results indicate significant predictive power of parent pre-treatment competence and treatment receipt on child behavior outcomes. Specifically, the higher the level of parent pre-treatment competence and treatment dosage, the greater the improvement in parent ratings of child behavior and mood/affect. Implications for practice are discussed.