AOTA

Earn CE Credit With AJOT Articles!

Learn about tested treatment strategies by reading AJOT articles in your area of practice. Become an evidence-based practitioner and demonstrate your knowledge by passing the course exam.  Articles have been selected for their relevance to practice, fresh ideas, and strong evidence supporting treatment and the distinct value of OT.

Abstract

This systematic review examined the effectiveness of specific sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications to improve participation of children with sensory integration (SI) difficulties. Abstracts of 11,436 articles published between January 2007 and May 2015 were examined. Studies were included if designs reflected high levels of evidence, participants demonstrated SI difficulties, and outcome measures addressed function or participation. Eight studies met inclusion criteria. Seven studies evaluated effects of specific sensory techniques for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Qigong massage, weighted vests, slow swinging, and incorporation of multisensory activities into preschool routines. One study of sensory environmental modifications examined adaptations to a dental clinic for children with ASD. Strong evidence supported Qigong massage, moderate evidence supported sensory modifications to the dental care environment, and limited evidence supported weighted vests. The evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions regarding slow linear swinging and incorporation of multisensory activities into preschool settings.

Credit: Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)

Authors

Stefanie C. Bodison, OTD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor of Research, Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles

L. Diane Parham, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

Learning Objectives

1.      Describe the incidence of sensory integration difficulties in children, types of problems that may be exhibited and effects on occupational performance

2.      List various interventions that are commonly used in occupational therapy with children and youth who have sensory integration difficulties

3.      Based on the evidence, explain the effectiveness of specific sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications used to improve participation of children and youth with sensory integration difficulties

CE Find Key Words: Sensory integration, self-regulation, Qigong massage

Learning Level: Advanced

Target Audience: Occupational therapy practitioners

Content Focus: Category 1: Domain of OT; Category 2: OT Process: Intervention

Reference Information:

Bodison, S. C., & Parham, L. D. (2018). Specific sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications for children and youth with sensory integration difficulties: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 7201190040. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.029413