Neuropediatrics 2006; 37 - TP96
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-945689

THE FIRST SUMMER TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN KURUME CITY, JAPAN

Y Yamashita 1, T Ohya 1, S Nagamitsu 1, T Matsuishi 1, E Gnagy 1, A Greiner 1, W Pelham 1
  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan

Objectives: The management of behavioral problems in elementary schools is becoming a big issue for teachers and health professionals in Japan. We report the results of the first summer treatment program (STP) for children with ADHD in Kurume city, Japan.

Methods: The program was based on STP established by Pelham, which has been recognized as a model program by numerous professional organizations and federal agencies, and is widely used in many places in U.S.A. Twenty-two children (age 6–12 y) with AD/HD and four with high function PDD in and around Kurume city participated. They were divided into 2 groups by age. The STP was run in a camp-like setting for 2 weeks. The staff members consisted of pediatrician, teachers, clinical psychologists, and 3 behavioral treatment specialists from the State University of Buffalo, NY. Many student counselors from the Departments of Psychology, and Teaching University involved in STP. Point system, parental rewards for positive daily reports, and social reinforcement were given by staff and parents.

Results: Nobody dropped out. Most of the children showed positive behavioral changes in multiple domains of functioning. One child with ADHD required individualized program for excessive time out.

Conclusion: The STP was useful for children themselves and for their families. In addition to treatment and training, the STP will be useful to facilitate clinical research in Japan.