Does Parent-Rated Neurocognitive Functioning of Children with ADHD Moderate the Effects of Different Behavioral Parent Training Techniques? A Randomized Controlled Microtrial

The effectiveness of behavioral parent training (BPT) techniques for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may vary across individuals. Using a microtrial, we studied whether parent-ratings of child “hot” and “cool” executive functions moderated effects of stimulus-control (antecedent-based) versus contingency-management (consequent-based) techniques on child behavioral difficulties. Parents of 92 children with ADHD were randomly assigned to antecedent-based training, consequent-based training or waitlist. Results indicated that consequent-based techniques were particularly effective for children with lower arousal regulation and higher reward responsivity, while antecedent-based techniques were most effective for children with lower sensitivity to aversive stimuli. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.