Initiative Description: Children were randomly assigned to either the treatment (n=3) of child-centered play thearpy or a wait-list group (n=2). The intervention was facilitated after school to limit the disruption to the school schedule. Observers collected baseline data for 3 weeks prior to the start of the intervention. Observations continued throughout the intervention and for 3 weeks following the intervention. 3 observations were obtained for each child every week, and observation ratings were averaged to obtain one overall weekly rating. The treatment group demonstrated more improvement with increasing on-task behaviors and decreasing total problems that the wait-list group.

Study Results: Improved on-task behavior.

Reference: Swank, J. M., & Smith-Adcock, S. (2018). On-task behavior of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Examining treatment effectiveness of play therapy interventions. International Journal of Play Therapy,27(4), 187-197. doi:10.1037/pla0000084

Level of Evidence: Excellent