Researchers from Lehigh Valley Hospital and Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., focused on 135 children aged 3 to 5 who showed significant symptoms of ADHD -- a mental disorder that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior and pay attention. Early intervention techniques included highly individualized programs that often rely on positive supports to reinforce behavior.

Using a variety of early intervention strategies, parents reported, on average, a 17-percent decrease in aggression and a 21-percent improvement in their children's social skills. In the classroom, teachers saw a 28-percent improvement in both categories. Early literacy skills improved up to three times over their baseline status.

The researchers suggest a multi-tiered approach to intervention, offering more traditional services to at-risk children and more intensive services to children in greatest need.

"Medication may address the symptoms of ADHD, but it does not necessarily improve children’s academic and social skills," study leader George DuPaul said in a statement.

The findings are reported in School Psychology Review.