【Sing Tao Daily】Parent-Child Rugby: Aiding Children with ADHD and Their Parents

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a global prevalence of 5%, and approximately 6.1% of children in Hong Kong face this condition. Symptoms of ADHD include impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity. These energetic children are naturally endowed with the physical strength and stamina required for athletics, but their ADHD symptoms often lead to challenges in social interactions.

An increasing body of research demonstrates that sports can help improve ADHD symptoms, social behavior, and reduce negative emotions such as depression and anxiety. For children with behavioral issues, studies have found that participation in sports can boost their self-confidence and foster positive peer interactions.

This study collected four types of data through parent questionnaires, including the child's ADHD symptoms, the parent's mental health, parenting stress, and parent-child relationship. A total of 43 parents participated in the study, completing the questionnaires before and after the program. The findings showed that after participating in the parent-child rugby course, parents experienced a significant improvement in their psychological well-being, with their average scores increasing from 10.53 to 11.81. Their parent-child relationship scores also rose significantly from 2.80 to 2.91; additionally, there were notable increases in parenting satisfaction and engagement, with the former rising from an average of 2.77 to 2.86, and the latter from 2.86 to 3.02. However, data indicated that parenting stress did not show a significant improvement after participating in the course.

This study provides preliminary evidence supporting that the parent-child rugby course has positive effects on the social and psychological well-being of both children with ADHD and their parents. The program is designed around games, with coaches facilitating various rugby activities to create a relaxed and enjoyable environment. This setting offers more opportunities for positive interactions between children and parents, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening their relationship.

Author:

Dr Julia Lo, Assistant Professor, Department of Special Education and Counselling, EdUHK

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