Our Research on Brain Training for Children with ADHD
Moore, A.L., Miller, T.M., Moore, J.J., Ledbetter, C. (2023). A Real-World Data Study on the Impact of the ReadRx Cognitive Training and Reading Intervention on Cognition, Basic Reading Ability, and Psychosocial Skills for 3527 Children. Psychology Research and Behavior Management,16,1195-1220.
https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S397665
We analyzed a large real-world dataset to examine cognitive, reading, and behavioral outcomes for struggling readers (n = 3527) who had completed 24 weeks (120 hours) of ReadRx, an intense cognitive training integrated with a structured literacy intervention using ReadRx in a one-on-one clinic setting. Results showed statistically significant changes on all cognitive and reading measures including attention, visual processing, processing speed, long-term memory, working memory, reasoning, phonological awareness, Work Attack, phonetic coding, spelling, comprehension, and overall IQ score with medium to very large effect sizes. The results included an average 4.1-year gain in reading skills including a 6-year gain in phonological awareness. No differences were found based on age, sex, or ADHD status, and minimal differences were found based on pre-intervention IQ score and cognitive test scores. The study also included a qualitative thematic analysis of parent-reported behavioral outcomes revealing themes of improved cognition, academic performance, and psychosocial skills including confidence and perseverance.
Moore, A.L., Carpenter, D.M., Ledbetter, C., & Miller, T.M. (2018). Clinician-delivered cognitive training for children with attention problems: Transfer effects on cognitive and behavior from the ThinkRx randomized controlled trial. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 14, 1671-1683. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S165418
In a randomized controlled study, we examined the effects of a one-on-one cognitive training program on memory, visual and auditory processing, processing speed, reasoning, attention, overall IQ score, and behavior for students ages 8-14 with ADHD. Results included greater pretest to post-test change scores on all variables for the treatment group versus the control group with statistically significant differences noted in working memory, long-term memory, logic and reasoning, auditory processing, and IQ score. Qualitative outcomes included far transfer to cognition and behavior as reported by participants, parents, and clinicians. Read the article Link to video abstract: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tso9xhKRkao
Moore, A.L., & Ledbetter, C. (2019). The Promise of Clinician-Delivered Cognitive Training for Children Diagnosed with ADHD. Journal of Mental Health and Clinical Psychology, 3(3), 3-8. doi: 10.29245/2578-2959/2019/3.1180
Mainstream approaches to treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children include stimulant medication such as methylphenidate and behavior therapy that target deficits in attention as well as inappropriate behaviors but do not sufficiently address the multiple cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. Deficits beyond attention have been identified in ADHD including working memory, long-term memory, and processing speed. As key elements of cognition and intelligence that contribute to thinking and learning, these are critical deficits found in children with ADHD that must be addressed. In this review, we discuss existing research on cognitive training interventions for ADHD and evaluate their ability to target these multiple cognitive deficits as well as their ability to promote self-efficacy, social cognition, and motivation during training. We describe research on LearningRx, a clinician-delivered cognitive training intervention and suggest that human delivery enhances motivation and promotes social cognition and self-efficacy while strengthening weak cognitive skills associated with ADHD in children. Link to article.
Jedlicka, E. (2017). LearningRx cognitive training for children and adolescents ages 5-18: Effects on academic skills, behavior, and cognition. Frontiers in Education, 2(62). doi: 10.3389/feduc.2017.00062
This study with 178 students ages 5-18 investigated whether ThinkRx and ReadRx clinician-delivered cognitive training programs reduced academic difficulties and oppositional behavior for school-age children with learning struggles compared to a control group. Results indicated there were statistically significant differences overall between the intervention groups and the control group on all measures of academic difficulties. Both intervention groups saw a reduction in academic difficulty ratings following training while the control group saw an increase in academic difficulty during a comparable time interval. Both intervention groups achieved statistically significant changes on objective cognitive test measures as well. Link to article: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2017.00062/full
Moore, A.L., & Ledbetter, C. (2017). Beyond Attention: Memory and Processing Speed Deficits Dominate Cognitive Profiles in ADHD Across the Lifespan. Presented at American Psychological Association Annual Convention, August 2017, Washington, D.C.
The objective of this study was to examine the cognitive profiles of a large sample of children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (n = 5,417). We collected scores on the Woodcock Johnson III – Tests of Cognitive Abilities administered to children and adults with ADHD at 79 cognitive therapy centers between 2010 and 2015. Deficits were identified in comparison to the standardization sample as standard scores under the 38th percentile. Results indicated that although deficits in broad attention were present, there were even larger deficits in working memory, long-term memory, and processing speed. The results suggest that interventions for children and adults with ADHD should be aimed at not only the remediation of attentional difficulties but also at enhancing memory and processing speed. Link to presentation
Moore, A.L. (2015). Cognitive trainer characteristics that predict outcomes for students with and without ADHD. (Doctoral dissertation.) Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. UMI No. 3687613
Dr. Amy Moore studied characteristics of 150 cognitive trainers that predicted outcomes for 1,195 clients with and without ADHD. After examining the predictive value of trainer personality, degree level, degree field, certification level, and pre-hire cognitive screening score on client gains in long-term memory, working memory, processing speed, and general intelligence, she found that no trainer profile held practical significance. Dr. Moore concluded that the intervention itself may be more important than the characteristics of the person delivering it. Read the dissertation.