Approaching AD/HD drug-free

Impact: Evidence-based, 'computer game' training system improves behavioural control in children with AD/HD

The world’s first evidence-based, drug-free treatment for improving behavioural control in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) was developed by UOW researchers.

The training program, based on many years of research by A/Professor Stuart Johnstone, provides an alternative approach to medication for parents grappling with AD/HD symptoms including inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in their children.

It brings together memory and inhibitory-control training, and incorporates attention training using objective attention levels obtained via a wireless brain electrical activity recording device.

Studies and trials of the program have shown highly favourable results, which have been reported in international scientific journals including ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders.

An industry licensee has been secured to the UOW IP for the training program and continued research into the efficacy of the approach. It is now embodied as two software products sold internationally in Australia, Canada, the US, Germany, the UK, and China.

Most encouragingly, many thousands of children have completed the training program, presented in a game format to promote engagement and compliance. The post-training parental reporting system built into the software shows that the vast majority benefit from substantial behavioural improvements.

A further large-scale, school-based research study into the program is currently under development in Brazil to provide further evidence regarding the effectiveness the cognitive training approach for parents of children with AD/HD looking for an alternative to traditional, medication-based treatments.