School-Based Interventions for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Middle Schools: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents unique challenges for middle school students, a population navigating heightened academic, social, and emotional demands. This review examines empirical literature on school-based interventions targeting ADHD in middle school populations, a group often under-represented in intervention research. This review synthesizes findings from studies on academic accommodations, organizational training (e.g., HOPS), self-management strategies, mental health supports (e.g., CBT), and integrated programs like STAND and the Challenging Horizons Program. Evidence suggests that targeted school-based interventions can improve executive functioning, task engagement, academic performance, and social–emotional outcomes. However, interventions vary in efficacy depending on implementations’ fidelity, individual differences, and contextual supports (such as family involvement and school resources). Although promising, many interventions are limited by scalability, sustainability, and a lack of rigorous longitudinal data. This paper identifies critical gaps in middle school-specific research and highlights the need for future studies on long-term outcomes, student self-advocacy, and the reduction of stigma. Overall, this review underscores the potential of multi-component, school-based approaches to mitigate academic and behavioral challenges in middle school students with ADHD. We also call for expanded efforts to tailor and sustain these interventions in real-world educational settings.