What is it about?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common in children with intellectual disability, but there is limited research on which treatments work best for this group. Most ADHD studies exclude children with intellectual disability, leaving clinicians and families with little evidence to guide treatment decisions. This systematic review examined research published between 2010 and 2025 on medications and behavioral interventions for children aged 4–17 years with intellectual disability and ADHD symptoms. We reviewed over 14,000 records and identified 17 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The strongest evidence supported the use of methylphenidate for reducing symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention, while guanfacine and clonidine also showed potential benefits for some children. However, very few studies evaluated behavioral or parent-mediated interventions specifically designed for children with both ADHD and intellectual disability. Overall, the findings highlight promising treatment options but also demonstrate the need for more high-quality research to help clinicians and families make informed decisions.
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Why is it important?
Children with intellectual disability and ADHD often experience greater learning, behavioral, and daily functioning challenges than children with either condition alone, yet they remain underrepresented in treatment research. This review brings together the most recent evidence on both medication and behavioral approaches, providing clinicians, researchers, and families with an updated summary of what is currently known. It also identifies important gaps in the literature, particularly the lack of rigorous studies evaluating behavioral and multimodal interventions tailored to this population. By highlighting where evidence is strongest and where additional research is needed, this review can help guide clinical practice, inform future research priorities, and ultimately improve care for children with intellectual disability and ADHD.
Perspectives
Given the extensive literature available on interventions for ADHD, we were quite surprised by how little of it includes individuals with intellectual disability. As a pediatric neuropsychologist, I hope this article raises awareness of this important gap and encourages researchers to include individuals with intellectual disability in future ADHD intervention studies. I also hope it provides clinicians with a clearer understanding of the evidence currently available for interventions that are often used. Ultimately, I would like this review to contribute to more equitable, evidence-based care for a population that has been underrepresented in the scientific literature.
Mairim Vega
Carlos Albizu University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Treatment of ADHD in children with intellectual disability: A systematic literature review., Journal of Pediatric Neuropsychology, June 2026, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/jpn0000043.
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