Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition marked by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, often disrupting academic, social, and family dynamics. For parents, particularly mothers, managing ADHD can lead to significant stress, ineffective parenting practices, and strained parent-child relationships. Despite the acknowledgement of this challenge in Japan, specialized ADHD-focused parent training programs have been scarce—until now.
Researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have developed Well Parent Japan (WPJ), a 13-week group-based training program designed to empower mothers of children with ADHD. The program focuses on enhancing psychological well-being, building ADHD-specific parenting skills, and fostering confidence in parenting.
Dr. Shizuka Shimabukuro, a researcher in OIST’s Human Developmental Neurobiology Unit and the program’s lead developer, has been instrumental in its creation and evaluation. Recognized with an award from Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) for her contributions, Dr. Shimabukuro recently co-authored a paper published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The study highlights the program’s effectiveness and cost-efficiency compared to standard treatments available in Japan.
“We implemented WPJ across three sites in Japan and found it more effective than usual treatments in these settings. Importantly, it was tested in community-based settings such as hospitals and developmental centres, rather than research labs, to ensure real-world applicability,” Dr Shimabukuro explains.
Finding Strength in Community
The program’s group-based format has proven effective in creating a supportive community for mothers who often feel isolated or hesitant to seek help.
“In Japan, mothers are typically the primary caregivers, and many feel alone in managing their children’s challenges. WPJ provides a safe, shared space where they can connect with others facing similar issues, share struggles, and learn collaboratively,” says Dr. Shimabukuro.
WPJ itself is the product of over a decade of collaboration among researchers, clinicians, parents, and children with ADHD, blending international insights with the lived experiences of Japanese families. Professor Gail Tripp, head of OIST’s Human Developmental Neurobiology Unit and a co-author of the study, highlights this collaboration as a key strength:
“We worked closely with local and university hospitals, an economist in Tokyo, and a research colleague in the UK. OIST Innovation also supported the study, helping us move toward broader implementation. It’s been a deeply collaborative effort, and it’s rewarding to see it make a difference.”
Overcoming Challenges During a Pandemic
Conducting clinical trials for WPJ was not without obstacles. The trials began shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring significant adjustments to the research design as conditions evolved.
“Coordinating trials across three sites while navigating constantly changing regulations was challenging,” recalls Dr. Shimabukuro. “I’m incredibly grateful for the commitment of the research team, who prioritized the health and safety of participants while ensuring robust data collection.”
Despite the difficulties, WPJ exceeded expectations, reducing parenting stress, enhancing parenting confidence, and alleviating family strain. Notably, the program achieved an attrition rate of just 7%, significantly lower than the typical 15% dropout rate in similar international studies under non-pandemic conditions.
“Our results show how much parents valued this program, even during such a challenging time,” says Professor Tripp.
Expanding the Program’s Reach
The success of WPJ underscores the importance of supporting caregivers as agents of change for their children. As Dr. Shimabukuro explains, “Parents need to be cared for before they can care for others.”
With the program’s demonstrated impact, Dr. Shimabukuro and her team are exploring another crucial environment for children with ADHD: schools. They are piloting an educational video series, adapted from WPJ, aimed at supporting teachers.
“Teachers spend significant time with children and face their own challenges managing ADHD-related behaviors. By equipping teachers with knowledge and practical strategies, while providing a space for them to share experiences, we can create a consistent, supportive environment for these children,” she explains.
Toward a Brighter Future
As licensed clinical psychologists, Dr. Shimabukuro and Professor Tripp are committed to blending clinical expertise and research to benefit children, families, and communities. Their ongoing efforts aim to deepen understanding of ADHD, improve access to support, and expand community resources.
“We hope to help families under strain by enhancing awareness and creating more places to receive support,” concludes Dr. Shimabukuro.