A flexible, evidence-based behavioral parent training program that helps caregivers of preschoolers with ADHD reduce disruptive behaviors

Researchers Lee Kern and George DuPaul are expanding access to evidence-based behavioral support for families of young children with ADHD. Their program, PEAK (Promoting Engagement with ADHD pre-Kindergartners), condenses a proven 20-session behavioral training into a flexible 10-session format, available both in person and online. Designed with input from parents and educators, PEAK offers a low-cost, scalable alternative for communities with limited behavioral health resources. Through partnerships with mental health, educational, and government agencies, Kern and DuPaul are building a model that empowers parents nationwide to better support their children’s growth and wellbeing.

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Background

Children with ADHD often show significant behavioral, social, and academic impairments before kindergarten. While behavioral parent training (BPT) is the recommended first-line treatment for young children with ADHD, access and participation are limited due to cost, clinician availability, scheduling barriers, and stigma. As a result, most families don’t receive these critical services.

Technology Overview

Developed by researchers at Lehigh University, PEAK is a structured, 10-session BPT program delivered either face-to-face (F2F) or asynchronously online. It provides parents of preschoolers with ADHD with practical strategies to manage behavior, improve self-regulation, and be more optimistic about parenting.

The scalable online format dramatically increases access without sacrificing effectiveness, offering flexibility and convenience for families.

Benefits

  • Improves Child Outcomes – Reduces ADHD symptoms, oppositional behaviors, and improves self-regulation in preschool-aged children.
  • High Parent Engagement – Achieves ~80% session completion, exceeding typical behavioral parent training benchmarks.
  • Equivalent Efficacy Online or In-Person – Asynchronous delivery performs comparably to traditional face-to-face training.
  • Scalable & Cost-Effective – Reduces barriers related to clinician availability, travel, and scheduling.
  • Supports Early Intervention – Addresses ADHD-related challenges before kindergarten, improving long-term developmental and academic outcomes.

Applications

  • Digital Health & Teletherapy Platforms – Integration into existing online behavioral health services.
  • Healthcare Systems & Pediatric Practices – Early intervention for diagnosed or at-risk children.