The literature highlighted the need for evidence-based occupational therapy teleinterventions to improve work participation among adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a self-tailored, metacognitive, telehealth intervention to enhance the performance of adults with ADHD at work (Work-MAP). The outcome measures were efficacy and satisfaction with performing self-selected work goals, executive functions, and quality of life. Participants in this randomized controlled trial were 46 adults with ADHD. Group A ( n = 31) received the synchronous, hybrid-telehealth intervention in 11-weekly 1-hour individual sessions. Group B ( n = 15) completed the intervention after a waiting phase. Following the intervention, participants showed and maintained significant improvements in all outcome measures (strong-to-moderate significant effects) to the 3-month follow-up. The Work-MAP teleintervention appears effective for improving work participation (i.e., performance), executive functions, and quality of life of adults with ADHD.

Previous studies exhibited differences in sensory processing, motor coordination, metacognitive executive functions (EF-MI), and sleep quality among adults with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). This study aims to find relationships between those abilities and organization-in-time, focusing on emotional responses after decreased organization abilities. This is a secondary data analysis of a larger sample from three previous studies conducted in one laboratory. Data were collected from 290 adults; 149 with NDD and 141 sex- and age- (20-50 years) matched controls completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder, Adults Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functions, Mini Sleep, and Time Organization and Participation questionnaires. Structural equation model (SEM) analysed relationships and variable prediction. Significant between-group differences were found for all variables; SEM indicated similar paths in both groups. Sensory processing affected EF-MI and sleep quality and significantly correlated with motor coordination, affecting EF-MI; EF-MI affected organization-in-time. Sleep quality significantly affected organization-in-time, affecting emotional responses. Sensory, motor, EF, and sleep differences were associated with decreased organization-in-time abilities of adults with NDD, adversely affecting their emotional well-being. Early detection of such differences and targeted interventions may improve daily functioning and life quality and prevent negative emotional implications.

Date Presented 04/05/19 Primary Author and Speaker: Nufar Grinblat Additional Authors and Speakers: Sara Rosenblum

Background/Objectives. Despite the importance of organization-in-time ability for adults’ daily performance, knowledge about this ability in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains limited. This study aims to compare organization-in-time abilities and quality of life (QoL) in adults with ADHD versus controls and examine the association and predictive relationship between this population’s organization-in-time and executive function (EF) abilities and their QoL. Methods. Participants were 69 adults with ADHD and at least one EF deficit according to the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult version (BRIEF-A) and 52 matched neurotypical controls. Besides the BRIEF-A and demographic questionnaire, all participants completed the Time Organization and Participation Scale and Adult ADHD QoL questionnaire. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee, with written informed consent obtained from all participants. Results. Compared with controls, adults with ADHD demonstrated significantly poorer organization-in-time ability and QoL. Within the ADHD group, significant correlations were found between organization-in-time and EF abilities (r = −0.39 to −0.50, p < 0.01). The group (ADHD vs. control) explained 51.7% of the variance in total QoL. Beyond this, metacognitive abilities (BRIEF-A Metacognitive Index) accounted for an additional 15.1%, and organization-in-time domains contributed 10.8% of the variance in predicting total QoL. Conclusions. Identifying deficits in time-organization abilities and EFs and their association with lower QoL among adults with ADHD has empirical and clinical implications. Such identification and the development of targeted intervention programs are essential for improving QoL in this population.