Determining the best treatments for children with ADHD

Gregory Fabiano, professor from the Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology, has been working in collaboration with colleagues at Florida International University to study the best sequence of interventions for children with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in schools. A recent study illustrated that positive behavioral supports used by parents and teachers first was superior to using medication first.

“ADHD is the most common childhood mental health disorder, and there are 1–2 children in every classroom in the United States with ADHD or at risk for it,” said Fabiano. “ADHD is a chronic condition, requiring ongoing supports, so it is important to determine the best treatments that can be used over time.”  

In a new $3.3 million dollar study funded by the Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, Fabiano and his colleagues will be following up on their work to find out the best sequence of school-based treatments used for children with ADHD across an entire school year. In Buffalo and Miami, 100 children with ADHD will be recruited each year, for three years, to participate in different sequences of behavior and/or medication treatments to find out the best approach for supporting students’ learning and behavioral outcomes.  To learn more or to apply to participate in the study, call 716-829-2024.