Limited information exists on the effects of occupational therapy based on the principles of Ayres Sensory Integration® (OT–ASI) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Therefore, there is a need for a detailed examination of its effects in areas such as sensorimotor functions, attention, executive functions, emotional regulation, and participation.
Objective
To perform a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of OT–ASI in children with ADHD.
Design
Randomized controlled study, including pretest–posttest and single-blind designs.
Setting
Individual occupational therapy clinic.
Participants
Ninety-four children (ages 6–8 yr) with ADHD (intervention group, n = 47; control group, n = 47).
Intervention
The intervention group received OT–ASI (three sessions per week for 10 wk). The control group was placed on a 10-wk waiting list.
Outcomes and Measures
The Sensory Integration and Praxis Test; Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition, Brief Form; and goal attainment scaling were used as primary outcome measures. The Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory; Stroop Color and Shape Matching Test, TBAG Form; Emotion Regulation Checklist; and Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth were used as secondary outcome measures.
Results
Postintervention, the intervention group showed a statistically and clinically significant improvement in all outcome measure results (p < .001, η2 > .25). The control group did not show a statistically significant improvement (p > .05).
Conclusions and Relevance
OT–ASI can improve sensorimotor, attention, and executive functions; emotional regulation; and participation in children with ADHD. Therefore, it is an evidence-based occupational therapy approach that occupational therapists may prefer in working with children with ADHD.
Plain-Language Summary
This study was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the effects of occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® (OT–ASI) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In children with ADHD, OT–ASI improved sensorimotor skills such as praxis, balance, and coordination; cognitive skills such as attention and problem-solving; emotional skills such as coping with negative emotions and impulse control; and participation skills such as independence in home, school, and community activities. This study shows that OT–ASI is an evidence-based occupational therapy approach that can be applied to children with ADHD. Therefore, OT–ASI is recommended as one of the intervention approaches that occupational therapists may prefer in working with children with ADHD.
This study comprehensively evaluated the effects of occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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