The Outcome of an ADHD Parenting Group Training Programme (APEG) In the Peterborough Neurodevelopmental Service (NDS)

Abstract

ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents with prevalence ranging between 5% and 12% in developed countries. There is ample evidence that carefully structured enhanced behavioural parenting programmes are useful in the management of ADHD. We assessed the outcome of an ADHD group parenting training programme (APEG) offered between 2014 and 2015 by the Peterborough Neurodevelopmental Service (NDS) in improving the knowledge and skills of carers using a pre-/post-training intervention study. APEG follows a Parent Advisor Model, consisting of a 6-session programme of evidence-based parenting training. A total of 27 parents completed the 53 pre-and post-course questionnaires. The knowledge and understanding of the parents increased signifi cantly about all aspects of ADHD diagnosis and management in response to all the 5 questions. The difference between the scores of 0 to 3 and 4 or 5 pre-and post-intervention was statistically signifi cant (chi square 239, df 1, p value <0.01). The study suggests that provision of a psychosocial intervention programme for parents of ADHD children through the APEG parenting training proved to be effective in signifi cantly improving the level of knowledge and understanding of parents regarding several aspects of ADHD diagnosis, symptom identifi cation and behaviour control.