ADHD

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) has awarded $6 million in grants to researchers in Lehigh’s College of Education to fund three separate research projects: mathematical skill development in preschool children, interventions for at-risk students headed to college or careers, and online behavioral parent education for young children at-risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

School psychology doctoral student, Alicia Chunta, has won the Innovative Research poster award from the American Psychological Association, Division 53 (Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology).

This year the American Psychological Association's Annual Conference will be held virtually from August 6-8, 2020.

George J. DuPaul, professor of school psychology and College of Education associate dean for research, Lee Kern, professor of special education and director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice, Bridget V. Dever, associate professor of school psychology and Shin-Yi Chou, Arthur F.

School Psychology doctoral students, Courtney Cleminshaw and Alicia Chunta, Dr. Lee Kern, Director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice and Professor of Special Education and Dr. George DuPaul, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of School Psychology created these recommendations for parents with young children and young children with ADHD to help navigate home life during the COVID-19 pandemic. While these strategies are important to use now, they can be used beyond this uncertain and trying time.  

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, has quietly become one of America’s most critical public health crises. The incurable disorder is responsible for upward of $52 billion in health care costs every year—nearly $17,500 per individual, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unfortunately, children are being diagnosed with the disorder at a record pace. ADHD diagnoses have increased an average of 3 percent annually since 1997.

The results of th early-intervention study conducted by Dr. Lee Kern, Dr. George DuPaul, and colleagues suggest several strategies for parents and teachers working with young children with ADHD.

1) Make learning fun

Early experiences with reading and math are critical for later school success. Try to incorporate exposure to print and math concepts in a fun way throughout the day, like counting cars during drives with the family.

Written by Thomas W. Durso | Illustrations by Melinda Beck

A new, groundbreaking study shows that a series of innovative behavioral interventions can give preschool children a new perspective on life in —and out of— the classroom.