Effectiveness of Family-based Sensory Diet in Symptoms of Students With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of a family-based sensory diet on the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in students. Methods: This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method with a control group and a pre-test and post-test design. The statistical population included all children with ADHD between the ages of 6 and 12 years who were referred to the Hasti, Bahar, and Masir Sabz clinics in Tehran City, Iran in 2021. Using the convenience sampling technique, 30 kids were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. The Wilbarger sensory protocol was used in the experimental group, which underwent a family-based sensory diet intervention (3 times a week, 45 minutes per session). The Conners’ parent form scale and the Wechsler intelligence scale for children 4th edition (WISC-IV) were used to measure the study variables. The SPSS software, version 20 was used to conduct the statistical tests, which included the analysis of covariance. Results: The results of the covariance analysis showed that the family-based sensory diet program had a substantial impact on the mean post-test scores for the two groups (P=0.001). Discussion: For students with attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder, and impulsivity caused by ADHD, implementing a family-based sensory diet can be useful in lowering these symptoms.