The Effectiveness of Family-Based Sensory Diet Program in Improving Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Syndrome

In addition to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and impulsivity, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also have major problems with sensory processing. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of family-based sensory diet on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test-post-test design with control group and one-month follow-up test. From the statistical population of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder aged 6 to 12 years referring to Hasti, Bahar and Masir Sabz treatment clinics in 1399 in Tehran, 30 people were selected by available sampling method and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. They underwent 12 sessions of family-based sensory diet program intervention, which was derived from Wilburger's sensory protocol and were tailored to each child's sensory status, 3 days a week and each session lasted 45 minutes. To measure the variables, Wechsler Children's Intelligence Scale and Conners Parent Form Scale were used and to assess the sensory status of children, a sensory profile questionnaire was used. Statistical tests included repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test.

The findings showed that the mean scores of post-test and follow-up test for attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity in the experimental group decreased and the results of repeated measures analysis of variance showed that this decrease was significant and stable.

Sensory diet intervention is a new and effective intervention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and improves the symptoms of these children and their performance in various social situations