Sensory Integration or Fine Motor Interventions?
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published a pilot study comparing sensory integration versus fine motor interventions in children with autism. Children with autism or PDD were divided into two groups, with 20 children receiving sensory integration treatment and 17 fine motor skill treatments. The participants received eighteen, 45 minute treatment sessions during a 6 week summer program. Following the interventions, the children in the sensory integration group had significantly less autistic mannerisms. No significant differences were seen on the Sensory Processing Measure or the Quick Neurological Screening Test Edition 2. Significant differences were seen in both groups with regards towards reaching goals (through Goal Attainment Scales) that were established prior to the interventions. The sensory integration group exhibited more significant improvements towards the goals when compared to the fine motor group.
Reference: Beth A. Pfeiffer, Kristie Koenig, Moya Kinnealey, Megan Sheppard and Lorrie Henderson. Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Interventions in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study doi: 10.5014/ajot.2011.09205 American Journal of Occupational Therapy January/February 2011 vol. 65 no. 1 76-85