Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an Adapted Transdiagnostic Treatment for Children With Executive Function Deficits

Few psychological interventions exist to target executive function difficulties in children and adolescents. The current study modified the Unstuck and On Target! intervention protocol for use in an outpatient clinic setting with a diagnostically diverse group of participants. Participants engaged in a 10-week child and parent group treatment with assessment measurement at pre- and post-treatment. Assessments consisted of parent-report questionnaires, clinician-administered tasks, and treatment fidelity ratings. Results suggest that the modified intervention was delivered with high fidelity and is feasible and acceptable in a transdiagnostic sample. Although preliminary, efficacy appears promising and suggests that parent-rated executive function, as well as behavioral and emotional challenges, are amenable to change as a result of intervention participation. The results imply that the modified intervention has merit, and should be further explored within the context of larger studies.