The relationship between sensory processing and behavioural pattern in attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) children / Wan Nur Amalina Wan Ata

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) was one of the most widely recognized in early childhood. The prevalence of ADHD is 5.29% worldwide and numbers of ADHD children increase globally including in Malaysia. The parents might experience unexpected demand and stressor due to the sensory and behaviour issue among ADHD children. Thus, it is crucial to investigate as it does affect the quality of life of the parents subsequently· the children future adjustment. Objective: The main objective of the study is to determine the relationship between the sensory processing issue and behaviour pattern among children with ADHD. Methodology: This study was conducted among the population of ADHD children in Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKI) school and Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) at Negeri Sembilan. Sixty-three ADHD children who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for this study. The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) was used to measure sensory processing while behaviour pattern was measured by using Vanderbilt Parents Rating. Result: The result shows that the sensory processing was found to have a positive correlation with the combined type of behaviour. Conclusion: The result indicate sensory processing have a relationship with behaviour. Thus Occupational Therapist may plan the specific and precise intervention strategies in managing the ADHD such as sensory based therapy and behaviour intervention. For the future study, it is recommended to run on a larger population with larger sample age, diverse socioeconomic and also specifically address the component of behaviour by the qualitative study.