The OutSMARTers program for children with ADHD: A pilot study on the effects of social skills, self-regulation and executive functioning training

The current study examined the effects of the OutSMARTers program on social skills, self-regulation and executive functions compared to a Waitlist group and an ADHD parent training program. Participants consisted of 41 children with ADHD, aged 8-11. All groups were assessed with behavioral checklists and neuropsychological measures at baseline and post-treatment and the two active treatment groups were reasessed with behavioral checklists in a 3-month follow-up. The results showed decreased ADHD symptoms, improved social skills and better emotion regulation at post-treatment for the OutSMARTers compared to the Waitlist group. There was no difference between the OutSMARTers and Parent groups on any measure after treatment. Both treatments were concluded to be effective. In addition, the 3-month follow-up showed that most of the post-treatment changes were maintained for both groups. The results indicate that the OutSMARTers program seems to benefit children with ADHD well, but needs further research