The Effect of Planning a Family-based Sensory Diet on Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of a family-based sensory diet program on children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this program, parents were directed to use activities stimulating the vestibular, deep, tactile, visual, and auditory senses to maintain the children’s focus and organized consciousness. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a Pretest-Posttest design with an experimental group. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) and Conners’ parent rating scale were used to measure the study variables. The study’s statistical population included all children with ADHD aged 6-12 years referred to Hasti, Bahar, and Masir-e Sabz health clinics in 2020. Of them, 30 participants were selected through a convenience sampling method. Results: Based on the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), the obtained F values of attention deficit and hyperactivity were significant at a level less than 0.05. So the test hypothesis is accepted, and family-based sensory diet sessions effectively reduce ADHD symptoms in these children. Conclusion: According to the findings and the degree of effectiveness, implementing the sensory diet program by the child’s family can effectively reduce ADHD symptoms.

Keywords

• family-based sensory diet
• attention deficit
• hyperactivity