EVALUATION OF ACCESS TO CARE AND MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL OUTCOMES IN A SCHOOL-BASED INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

The Project for Attention-Related Disorders (PARD), instituted by the San Diego (Calif.) School District, represents a unique approach to identification, referral, and management of children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. As a school-based program, PARD coordinates medical, psychosocial, behavioral, and educational interventions for each child, and provides resources for school personnel caring for children with ADHD. Three years after instituting PARD, about 60% to 70% of the children showed improvement after enrollment, evaluation, and treatment. Parental involvement in and acceptance of intervention for their children represented a significant follow-up problem. Both medical and nonmedical interventions such as counseling, special programs, and behavior modification helped improve the educational life of these children.