What Is “The Incredible Years” Program?

PostedSeptember 17, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 18, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The Incredible Years ADHD programme is a well-established, evidence-based behavioural programme designed to support children with ADHD and their families. It focuses on strengthening parenting skills, promoting positive behaviour, and improving relationships within the family. The programme also helps children develop emotional regulation and social skills, which are areas often affected by ADHD.

How The Incredible Years Works

The Incredible Years works by providing parents with techniques to strengthen relationships, manage behaviours, and support children’s social and emotional development.

Parenting Support

The programme offers structured parenting support sessions where parents learn practical strategies to manage challenging behaviours. These include setting clear rules, using positive reinforcement, and applying consistent consequences to encourage cooperation and reduce disruptive behaviours.

Child-Focused Training

Alongside parent sessions, The Incredible Years also provides training for children. These sessions focus on building social skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation, helping children with ADHD interact more positively with peers and authority figures.

Teacher Involvement

Some versions of the programme involve teachers, ensuring consistency between home and school. This collaborative approach supports children’s academic success and classroom behaviour.

Evidence-Based Approach

Numerous studies have shown that The Incredible Years can reduce hyperactive and oppositional behaviours, improve family relationships, and enhance long-term outcomes for children with ADHD.

Conclusion

The Incredible Years ADHD programme is a proven behavioural programme offering comprehensive parenting support, child training, and teacher collaboration. It helps families create structured, positive environments that allow children with ADHD to thrive. For more information on ADHD support options, explore our complete guide to ADHD and reach out to providers like ADHD Certify.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Parent training and support.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.