The study of Child-centered play therapy for children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in Hong Kong.

Abstract

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classified under Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the DSM-5; children with ADHD commonly exhibit emotional and behavioral regulation disorders as well as deficits in executive functioning. Research has indicated that non-pharmacological treatments can improve executive functioning and self-regulation, with play therapy considered conducive to children's brain development. Child-Centered Play Therapy CCPT) is a non-directive form of play therapy; findings suggest that CCPT can ameliorate internalizing and externalizing issues in children with ADHD. Although play therapy has been introduced in Hong Kong for many years, there is limited research on the efficacy of CCPT in improving executive functioning in children with ADHD. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) on children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Hong Kong. The study was conducted in the form of interviews, involving four therapists and four parents/caregivers of children with ADHD, making a total of eight participants. All interviewees have experience with children who have undergone CCPT, and all the children have received more than twelve sessions of CCPT. All eight participants agreed that CCPT was beneficial for children with ADHD, albeit to varying degrees.