Sensorimotor Intervention Group for Children with ADHD and Sensory Processing Difficulties: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Many children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) also have sensory processing difficulties, yet there are few evidence-based interventions that target both. We explored the feasibility of a 4-week group intervention using “How Does Your Engine Run?”®—The Alert Program for Self-Regulation (AP) for children with ADHD and sensory processing difficulties. Sixteen children (aged 8–12 years) and their parents were randomly assigned to an active treatment or a delayed treatment control group. The AP taught families to recognize child arousal states and to use sensorimotor strategies to manage levels of alertness. Parent-reported ratings of child outcomes were completed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Treatment acceptability and satisfaction were high. Compared to pre-treatment and control group, large effects were found in which families increased their knowledge and use of sensorimotor strategies, and improved child ADHD symptoms after participating in the AP, and these effects were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Families that reported greater knowledge and use of strategies were those with children that had greater underresponsive/sensory seeking profiles and those with children with greater conduct problems. This study shows preliminary support for the AP for children with ADHD and sensory processing difficulties, to be further examined with larger sample sizes and methodological enhancements.