A STRUCTURED parenting programme based on acceptance and commitment therapy has shown clinical benefits in managing both asthma and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children.
The trial, conducted in a public hospital in Hong Kong, aimed to assess whether a six-session acceptance and commitment therapy–based parenting programme (ACT-PAM) could improve outcomes for children with co-occurring asthma and ADHD. From April 2021 to August 2023, 118 parent-child dyads were randomised to receive either standard asthma care alone or in combination with ACT-PAM. The intervention included mindfulness, values-based parenting strategies, and asthma management education. The primary outcome was the number of unscheduled healthcare visits for asthma exacerbations over 12 months, with secondary endpoints covering asthma control, ADHD symptoms, parental psychological inflexibility, and asthma management self-efficacy.
At 12 months, children in the ACT-PAM group experienced significantly fewer unscheduled healthcare visits compared to the standard care group (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: −0.8 visits; 95% CI: −1.6 to −0.1). ACT-PAM was also associated with better asthma control, as measured by the Childhood Asthma Control Test (aMD: 4.4; 95% CI: 2.5–6.5), and lower ADHD symptom scores, assessed via parent-rated SWAN scale (aMD: −0.5; 95% CI: −0.8 to −0.3). Parents in the ACT-PAM group reported improved psychological flexibility (aMD: −10.0; 95% CI: −15.6 to −4.5) and increased confidence in managing their child’s asthma (aMD: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.4–1.2).
These findings suggest that ACT-PAM may serve as a valuable adjunct to standard asthma care in paediatric patients with comorbid ADHD. With demonstrated reductions in healthcare use and behavioural symptoms, the approach offers a promising holistic intervention for this high-need population.
Reference
Chong YY et al. Acceptance and commitment therapy-based parenting program in children with co-occurring asthma and ADHD: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatr. 2025; DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.1313.
