Improving mental health services for children with autism and ADHD through executive functioning interventions
Official title: Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of an Executive Functioning Intervention for Children's Mental Health Services
Funded at San Diego State University · NIH-11182611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve mental health support for kids with autism and ADHD, ages 0-11, by helping them develop skills like planning and goal setting, so they can get the most out of their therapy and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $929,033 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH137179-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11182611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism or ADHD, or who are outside the age range of 0-11, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing mental health services for children aged 0-11 with autism and ADHD by implementing an executive functioning intervention. The approach aims to address the barriers that prevent effective use of evidence-based interventions in community settings. By targeting executive functioning skills, such as planning and goal setting, the study seeks to improve engagement in therapy and overall mental health outcomes for these children. The research will involve collaboration with mental health professionals to ensure the intervention is practical and applicable in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes and better access to services for children with autism and ADHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using executive functioning interventions to improve mental health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego State University
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickson, Kelsey S — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: Dickson, Kelsey S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.