AYRES SENSORY INTEGRATION FOR THE CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

For intervention of children with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), there are many modalities. Sensory Processing issues are present in children with ADHD. There is a wide use of Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI?) to treat children with ADHD. But effectiveness of ASI? in children with ADHD is unknown. The purpose of study was to examine the effectiveness of ASI? Interventions on Participation of the child. Method: Randomized controlled trial, double blind study. Eligible candidates were children having average intelligence with a diagnosis of ADHD, between age of 5 years and 12 years, sensory processing disorder (Some problems or definite dysfunction category on Sensory Processing Measure). Children included in the study received occupational therapy with either protocol. Results: The children in ASI? Group, made gains that were significantly greater than the children in the other group on Goal Attainment Scale and ADHD Participation Profile. Large Effect sizes were found between and within both the outcome measures (1.87 & 0.939). Conclusion: ADHD is complex disorder which embodies issues other than Sensory Processing and will be receptive to the other modes of intervention. ADHD does not only represent sensory processing issues. If existing, the sensory processing issues needs to be addressed specifically, as it will influence the global performance.