Current Pediatric Research

Background: Nature disconnectedness had been suggested to have a link with childhood disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The core symptoms interfere with the functional behaviors at different contexts. Sensory Integration is the most common treatment approach to these children but confined to established units. Multisensory experiences of nature are recognized as beneficial for multiple medical conditions. Therefore, this study develops nature based Sensory Garden and examines its influence on functional behavior of children with ADHD and replicability of Sensory Garden (SG) in home settings. Methods: Ten participants, aged 6-12 years were recruited by screening with ADHD rating scale and Short Sensory Profile. Randomly, equal number of participants was allotted to either of the two groups by convenience sampling. Baseline scores of functional behavior were collected by using Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS). The subjects of Experimental group were exposed to combined outdoor Sensory Garden (SG) and indoor Sensory Integration (SI) whereas Control group only SI intervention. The duration of intervention extended for a period of 3 months (46 sessions). At the end of last session, post test scores were collected. Results: The statistically significant result suggested nature based Sensory Garden with indoor SI intervention as a better therapeutic approach in enhancing functional behavior in children with ADHD. Three parents replicated SG either wholly with all the senses or partially based on child?s preference and space availability at home. Conclusion: Sensory Gardens enable children to have rich sensory stimulation experience during daily play at outdoors and serve as a potential therapeutic adjunctive tool and also can be created easily and quite economically at home settings to have an enduring influence.

Author(s): Silpa Immanuel Voola, M Vijaya Kumari

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