Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder
with core symptoms: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and lack of attention, which are excessive
in relation to a person's age. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder face a
number of problems trying to perform in everyday life addressed by an occupational
therapist. One of the potential barriers to their involvement in the activities of daily living,
may also be problems with the processing of sensory stimuli. Purpose: The purpose of the
thesis is to use the Questionnaire on the child's processing of sensory stimuli to determine
whether the processing of sensory stimuli and behavioral responses to them differs between
children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and neurotypical children in parent's
opinion. Methods: In the diploma work we used the quantitative research method. The study
included 62 neurotypical children and 42 children with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder. In obtaining data, we used the Questionnaire on children's processing of sensory
stimuli, which was filled out by parents of children aged 6-9. The questionnaire is based on
the Ayres Sensory Integration theory. The questionnarie provides us with information on
which sensory systems the child could have problems and how could this affect the
involvement in activities of daily living. Results: Statistically significant differences in the
processing of sensory stimuli between the two groups were shown. 9.5 % of neurotypical
children and 71 % of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have problems
with processing sensory stimuli. Statistically significant differences were shown on all scales
with the exception of the Balance scale. Beside the scale for Balance according to the norms
of the questionnare we also can not talk about the problems in the processing of sensory
stimuli on the scales for Touch and Taste and Smell. Discussion and conclusion: The results
of research that also compared these two groups of children are consistent with other
quantitative studies that used the Sensory profile and Sensory processing measure
questionnaire. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show more difficulty
processing sensory inputs than neurotypical children. The used assessment allows an
occupational therapist to get a better perception of the child's performance in everyday life,
which can help with planning adjustments in the home and school environment.
|