Can A New Problem-Solving Therapy Help Children with Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

What you need to know

• A new therapy called PR-ESSENCE helps children with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions learn better ways to solve problems and manage challenging behaviors
• Over half of children who received the therapy showed significant improvement in their symptoms and daily functioning
• The approach works by teaching both children and parents strategies for handling difficult situations together

Understanding the Challenge

Parenting a child with autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental conditions can feel like navigating a minefield. Seemingly minor situations can trigger intense emotional reactions, leading to meltdowns and behavioral challenges that affect the whole family. Traditional behavioral approaches often fall short because they don’t fully address the underlying difficulties these children have with flexibility, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving.

A New Approach to an Old Problem

PR-ESSENCE (Problem Resolution in Early Symptomatic Syndromes Eliciting Neurodevelopmental Clinical Examinations) takes a different approach. Rather than just trying to manage behaviors, it helps children and parents work together to develop better problem-solving strategies. The therapy recognizes that challenging behaviors often stem from skill deficits rather than willful disobedience.

How the Study Worked

Researchers studied 108 children aged 5-18 years with various neurodevelopmental disorders. About 80% had ADHD and over half had autism, with many having both conditions. The children were randomly assigned to either receive 10 weeks of PR-ESSENCE therapy or continue with their usual treatment.

What the Research Found

The results were striking - over 51% of children who received PR-ESSENCE showed significant improvement in their symptoms and functioning, compared to only 5.6% in the control group. Parents reported fewer behavior problems at home and improvements in ADHD and oppositional symptoms. The children themselves reported feeling better able to control disruptive behaviors.

What This Means for You

If you’re parenting a child with neurodevelopmental challenges, these findings offer hope and practical implications:

• Look beyond the behavior to understand the skills your child may be lacking
• Focus on teaching problem-solving strategies rather than just managing behaviors
• Work collaboratively with your child to find solutions that work for both of you
• Consider seeking therapists trained in collaborative problem-solving approaches
• Remember that behavior change takes time and consistent practice

Conclusions

• PR-ESSENCE offers a promising new approach for helping children with complex neurodevelopmental disorders and their families
• Teaching collaborative problem-solving skills can lead to meaningful improvements in behavior and functioning
• Both parent and child engagement in the process appears key to successful outcomes