Adapting a specialized ADHD parenting programme for use with hard to reach and difficult to treat preschool children

Adapting a specialized ADHD parenting programme for use with 'hard to reach' and 'difficult to treat' preschool children. This version is made available in accordance with publisher policies. Please cite only the published version using the reference above. Background: Effective implementation of parent training programmes for preschool Attention-Deficit/Hyper-activity Disorder type is constrained by barriers limiting take-up and effective engagement by 'hard to reach' and 'difficult to treat' families. Method: We describe an evidence-driven adaptation and piloting of an existing empirically supported preschool ADHD parenting programme to address these problems. Results: The New Forest Parenting programme was changed substantially in terms of length; content and delivery on the basis of information gathered from the literature, from parents and practitioners, further modifications were made after the pilot study. Conclusions: The adapted-NFPP is currently being assessed for efficacy in a large multi-centre randomized controlled trial. • Parenting approaches can make a valuable contribution to the management of preschool ADHD • However barriers exist to implementation related to the extra burden of developmental delay in children and the complicating role of mental health problems and serious life events in parents and families • Parenting programmes need to be adapted and extended to improve outcomes in such families • In the New Forest Parenting Programme we have added modules for children (e.g. sleep, sensory issues, speech and language difficulties and adults (e.g. parental ADHD and learning difficulties) and increased exposure and access to difficult to reach families.