Examining the Effectiveness of a Dual Executive Function Training Package for Children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Specific Learning Difficulties A Randomised Controlled Trial in Primary Schools

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying a training program aimed at improving executive function (EF) in children with special educational needs (SENs), specifically those diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or specific learning difficulties (SpLD). EF includes cognitive processes that help regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, divided into "cool" EF (abstract cognitive skills) and "hot" EF (emotional and motivational regulation). This study evaluates a dual EF training package designed to address both domains simultaneously, delivered in school settings to primary school children aged 6 to 11 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group, stratified by diagnosis. The intervention involves weekly group sessions lasting one hour each, with small groups of six students to encourage interaction and peer support. Control group participants will receive the same training after the experimental group completes it. This program is designed to integrate hot and cool EF components within a unified curriculum to improve cognitive and emotional regulation simultaneously. Throughout the study, children will undergo assessments before and after the intervention, including neuropsychological tests of verbal working memory, inhibition, attentional control, and cognitive flexibility. Teacher and parent reports on behavior, measures of school satisfaction, social participation, and disability severity will also be collected. The total participation duration includes these pre- and post-intervention evaluations, allowing researchers to measure changes in EF and related functional outcomes linked to the training.

Dual Executive Function Training Package