EndeavorRx

What the service is

EndeavorRx is the first FDA-authorized prescription video game treatment for children with ADHD. Made by Akili Interactive, it improves attention function in children ages 8 to 17 with ADHD through gameplay that targets the key brain areas involved in attention. Unlike medications or therapy apps, EndeavorRx is a video game that functions as a medical device, available only by prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

How the treatment works

EndeavorRx is designed to be used as part of a therapeutic program that may include clinician-directed therapy, medication, and educational programs. The company is explicit that it is not a standalone treatment and is not a substitute for ADHD medication. Rather, it is an adjunct: something used alongside other treatments to improve attention and executive function.

The gameplay mechanics are designed for children. The child navigates a colorful, creative world, engaging in activities that require focused attention and the ability to filter out distractions. The game adapts to each child's skill level in real time, which means the challenge stays matched to the player's current abilities. As the child improves, the game gets harder; if the child struggles, it adjusts downward. This personalized difficulty curve is central to how the game strengthens attention without frustrating the player.

Parents or caregivers can monitor their child's progress through a separate tool called EndeavorRx Insight, an app that tracks gameplay and provides visibility into how the child is progressing in the treatment. This allows parents and the prescribing clinician to see engagement and improvement over time, which can inform decisions about continuing treatment or adjusting other parts of the therapeutic program.

The gameplay is described as fun and colorful, and parents in testimonials emphasize that the game-based approach makes the treatment less like clinical work and more like play. One parent quoted on the site noted that "making it a fun way to do the work is important." Another parent observed improvements within weeks: "One of the first things his teacher said to us during our parent-teacher conference was, I don't know what's changed over the last three weeks, but he's like a different student academically."

What the clinical evidence shows

In clinical trials, 73% of children reported an improvement in their attention, and 68% of parents reported improvement in ADHD-related impairments after two months of treatment. These outcomes were measured using validated clinical instruments, including the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), which measures sustained and selective attention and is commonly used in ADHD research.

An important note about the outcomes: the company explicitly states that children who engage with EndeavorRx "demonstrate improvements in a digitally assessed measure," and "may not display benefits in typical behavioral symptoms, such as hyperactivity." This means the game is measuring attention function through a computer test, and those improvements may or may not translate immediately to reduced hyperactivity or improved behavior as observed by parents or teachers. However, the testimonials suggest many parents do see behavioral changes like better homework completion and improved focus on tasks.

Regarding safety, the company reported zero serious adverse events in clinical trials. Of 342 participants in two clinical trials, 17 experienced treatment-related adverse events (4.97%), consisting mainly of frustration tolerance decreased (2.34%) and headache (1.17%). Other adverse events occurred in less than 1% of participants and included dizziness, emotional disorder, nausea, and aggression. Importantly, all reported adverse events were transient (temporary) and no events led to stopping treatment. All adverse events resolved by the end of treatment.

The indication is for children ages 8 to 17 years old with primarily inattentive or combined-type ADHD who have a demonstrated attention issue. This is narrower than ADHD diagnoses in general; the treatment is not indicated for predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.

Pricing and access

EndeavorRx costs $99 for a 30-day prescription. This is a one-time purchase cost per prescription, and a new prescription would be needed to continue treatment past 30 days. A healthcare provider must write the prescription; you cannot buy it without one.

The prescription is FSA/HSA eligible, meaning if you have a flexible spending account or health savings account, you can use those funds to pay for EndeavorRx, or you can pay out of pocket and then submit the receipt to your FSA or HSA for reimbursement. The company does not state whether commercial or government insurance covers the $99 cost.

To obtain a prescription, you need to work with your child's healthcare provider (a doctor, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or other licensed prescriber). The site provides resources for parents to share with healthcare providers who may be unfamiliar with EndeavorRx, including research data and information about how to obtain a prescription. The site mentions that you can contact the company for support in coordinating with your child's healthcare provider.

What the service does not disclose

The company does not specify which devices run EndeavorRx. The site displays "Download on the playstore" and "Download on the appstore" buttons, suggesting iOS and Android availability, but does not explicitly confirm this. You need to download the app to verify your device is compatible.

The company does not specify data requirements: whether the game requires continuous internet connection, whether you can download it for offline play, or how much storage space it needs.

The company does not address what happens if your child's ADHD symptoms improve significantly during the treatment period. Does the 30-day prescription allow you to stop partway through, or do you need to get a new prescription to continue? Can you take a break and resume later? These logistical details are not provided.

The company does not specify insurance coverage or whether they work with insurance companies to obtain prior authorization or managed care approval for the prescription.

Who it fits

EndeavorRx is designed for children and adolescents ages 8 to 17 with ADHD who have documented attention deficits and whose parents or caregivers are looking for an adjunctive treatment to add to their existing therapeutic plan. It fits a child who enjoys video games or learning through interactive media, as the game-based delivery is core to the treatment. It fits families who want an option that is medication-free (though it can be used alongside medication) or whose child has not tolerated ADHD medications well.

It is designed for use as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, so it fits a family already working with a prescriber on ADHD management. It does not fit a child without a prescriber, since a healthcare provider's prescription is required. It does not fit a family looking for a standalone treatment; the company explicitly states it is not a substitute for therapy, medication, or educational support.

The cost of $99 per 30-day prescription is modest compared to most medications or therapy sessions, and FSA/HSA eligibility makes it accessible to insured families. However, it requires out-of-pocket payment or FSA/HSA funds; the company does not mention automatic insurance billing or coverage.

The game is described as fun and engaging, so it best fits a child who is willing to play regularly. A child who resists video games or screen time may find the treatment difficult to sustain. The improvement in attention on clinical measures may or may not translate to visible behavioral changes in the first two months, so it fits a family willing to give the treatment time and looking at objective metrics of attention improvement rather than expecting immediate behavioral transformation.