,

Sensory Integration Therapy and Occupational Performance in Children with Autism

Sensory Integration Therapy and Occupational Performance in Children with AutismSensory Integration Therapy and Occupational Performance in Children with Autism

OTJR: Occupation, Participation, and Health published research investigating sensory integration therapy and occupational performance in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).   Thirty-one, 3-8 year old children, with ASD participated in the study with 16 receiving sensory integration therapy and 15 placed in a control group.  Each child was assessed with the Short Child Occupational Profile (SCOPE) for their occupational performance and the Sensory Profile (SP) for sensory problems.  The sensory integration therapy was provided 24 times at a frequency of 2 per week, 45-minute sessions and 15 additional minutes devoted to parent education.  The results indicated the following:

  • the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in all the SCOPE domains.
  • the intervention group showed significantly great improvement in all the Sensory Profile domains except for the “emotional reactions” and “emotional/social responses” domains.

The researchers concluded that sensory integration therapy could improve occupational performance and sensory processing abilities in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Reference:  Kashefimehr, B., Kayihan, H., & Huri, M. (2017). The Effect of Sensory Integration Therapy on Occupational Performance in Children With Autism. OTJR: occupation, participation and health, 1539449217743456.

Sensory Strategies for the Classroom Bundle

The Sensory Strategies for the Classroom Bundle includes 9 digital downloads to help students to be ready to learn or participate in functional tasks.  FIND OUT MORE HERE.

Read more research about sensory processing and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Sensory Integration Therapy and Occupational Performance in Children with Autism