Combined training to improve thinking skills and emotional control for children with ADHD, dyslexia, or autism
Examining the Effectiveness of a Dual Executive Function Training Package: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
This program will test whether a combined training that targets both 'cool' thinking skills (like working memory) and 'hot' emotion-related control can help primary-school children aged 6–11 with ADHD, dyslexia (SpLD), or autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 288 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Education University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tai Po) |
| Trial ID | NCT07262853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled project will recruit 288 primary-school children in Hong Kong aged 6–11 with confirmed or suspected ADHD, specific learning difficulties (dyslexia/SpLD), or autism. Participants will be randomly assigned, with stratification by diagnosis, to receive a dual executive-function training package or to a waitlist control. The intervention explicitly targets both 'cool' cognitive processes (working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility) and 'hot' affective/motivational regulation in real-world contexts, and outcomes will include cognitive measures and school-related behavioral functioning. The research is led by the Education University of Hong Kong and delivered to local primary-school students.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Primary-school children aged 6–11 in Hong Kong with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of ADHD, specific learning difficulties (dyslexia), or autism who have not previously received executive function training and do not have exclusionary comorbidities.
Not a fit: Children with significant comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions, those who already received executive function training, or those outside the age or location criteria are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve working memory, impulse control, and emotional regulation, helping children perform and get along better at school.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-domain EF trainings have shown mixed benefits, and combined hot-and-cool EF programs are relatively novel with limited prior evidence of efficacy.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged between 6 and 11 years * studying at primary schools in HK * confirmed or suspected ADHD, ASD, or SpLD Exclusion Criteria: * received executive function training * comorbid conditions
Where this trial is running
Tai Po
- EdUHK — Tai Po, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kean Poon
- Email: kean.poon@unsw.edu.au
- Phone: +61 2 9348 8143
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.