Central Executive Training (CET) for ADHD

Central Executive Training for ADHD: Efficacy Trial

The goal of the current project is to assess the efficacy of Central Executive Training (CET) for youth with ADHD. CET is a new, computerized training intervention that targets specific components of the working memory system. Two versions of CET were developed as part of our R34, each targeting a different combinations of executive functions. The final CET protocol reflects the contributions and feedback of a diverse group of caregivers, children with ADHD, and recognized experts in human cognition, ADHD treatment research, randomized control trial (RCT) intervention design methods, serious game theory and task design, cognitive training, and the role of executive dysfunction in ADHD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children ages 8-12 with principal ADHD diagnoses (via Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders semi-structured clinical interviewing (K-SADS)
• Parent AND teacher ratings in clinical/borderline range based on age and gender on ADHD-RS-5 or BASC-3 Attention Problems/Hyperactivity subscales
• Below average or lower working memory on at least one pre-treatment WM test. All ADHD presentations will be eligible.

Exclusion Criteria:

• gross neurological, sensory, or motor impairment
• history of seizure disorder, psychosis, bipolar, or severe dysregulation disorders that may interfere with study participation (substance use, disruptive mood dysregulation, intermittent explosive, reactive attachment)
• intellectual disability or Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) short-form intelligence quotient (FSIQ) < 78 (1.5 standard deviations (SD) below mean)
• conditions requiring acute intervention, e.g., active suicidality
• non-English speaking child or parent.