Research Updates
By Sensory Integration Education, 25 August 2022
A roundup of recent sensory integration research studies published since our last issue (from circa February 2022 onwards). Click on the menu below to jump straight to that topic:
EARLY CHILDHOOD
A Lot to Maintain: Caregiver Accommodation of Sensory Processing Differences in Early Childhood
Walbam, K.M. A Lot to Maintain: Caregiver Accommodation of Sensory Processing Differences in Early Childhood. J Child Fam Stud (2022).https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-022-02242-z
This study investigated the ways in which caregivers described early attunement with their child with sensory processing difficulties and the ways they were able to accommodate their child’s specific sensory needs within the context of the parent-child relationship in the first three years of life. Participants emphasised the importance of early screening and treatment, and a community or support network of caregivers of children with sensory processing difficulties. They felt that these measures would help reduce the stress in caring for a child with sensory processing difficulties.
A Pilot Study Investigating the Methodology for Studying the Effectiveness of Intervention for Toddlers With Vestibular Over Responsivity
Hilary Boucher, Danielle Carder & Sarah A Schoen (2022) A Pilot Study Investigating the Methodology for Studying the Effectiveness of Intervention for Toddlers with Vestibular Over Responsivity, Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, DOI: 10.1080/19411243.2022.2037491
This pilot study tested the feasibility of the methodology and sensitivity of outcome measures for treatment based on the principles of Ayres Sensory Integration and the STAR Frame of Reference for toddlers with vestibular over–responsivity. The study consisted of 3 participants who received treatment sessions of 60 minutes on a one to one basis. Participant 1 and participant 3 were scheduled once a week for a total of 17 weeks; participant 2 was scheduled twice a week for the same duration. To ensure consistency in the intervention, intervention adhered to the key elements of each: the Ayres Sensory Integration Fidelity Measure and the STAR Frame of Reference Fidelity Measure. Following intervention, researchers found positive effects on duration of play on swings as well as a decrease in the amount of stress-related behaviours observed during diapering activities at home.
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SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDERS
Specific Learning Disorder in Children and Adolescents, a Scoping Review on Motor Impairments and Their Potential Impacts
Blanchet, M., & Assaiante, C. (2022). Specific Learning Disorder in Children and Adolescents, a Scoping Review on Motor Impairments and Their Potential Impacts. Children, 9(6), 892.https://doi.org/10.3390/children9060892
This paper investigated motor impairments and their potential impacts in children and adolescents with Specific Learning Disorders. The researchers found that SLD children, late childhood and adolescents have poorer motor skills than their peers which impacts on daily activities in all domains.
Visual Motion and Decision-Making in Dyslexia: Reduced Accumulation of Sensory Evidence and Related Neural Dynamics
Catherine Manning, Cameron D. Hassall, Laurence T. Hunt, Anthony M. Norcia, Eric-Jan Wagenmakers, Margaret J. Snowling, Gaia Scerif and Nathan J. Evans, Visual Motion and Decision-Making in Dyslexia: Reduced Accumulation of Sensory Evidence and Related Neural Dynamics, Journal of Neuroscience 5 January 2022, 42 (1) 121-134; DOI:https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1232-21.2021
This study researched the processing stages affected in children with dyslexia when performing visual motion processing tasks. The researchers found that in comparison to a control group consisting of typically developing children, children with dyslexia accumulated sensory evidence more slowly in both motion coherence and direction integration tasks.
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INTEROCEPTION
Impact of an Interoception-Based Program on Emotion Regulation in Autistic Children
Kelly Mahler, Kerri Hample, Claudia Jones, Joseph Sensenig, Phoebe Thomasco, Claudia Hilton, "Impact of an Interoception-Based Program on Emotion Regulation in Autistic Children", Occupational Therapy International, vol. 2022, Article ID 9328967, 7 pages, 2022.https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9328967
This study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of a 25-week school-based intervention and its ability to improve interoception and emotional regulation in an autistic paediatric population. The researchers found that the interoception curriculum which was used, may be an effective intervention for improving emotion regulation as well as the associated outward behaviours.
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ADOLESCENTS
The Self-Regulatory Affective Touch: A Speculative Framework for the Development of Executive Functioning
Teresa Farroni, Letizia Della Longa, Irene Valori, The self-regulatory affective touch: a speculative framework for the development of executive functioning, Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, Volume 43, 2022, Pages 167-173, ISSN 2352-1546,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2021.10.007.
This study investigated physiological and behavioural responses to tactile sensory input across development. The researchers found that adolescents’ early experience of affective tactile interactions has a long-lasting influence on their self-regulation and their concept of self and others.
The Role of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in the Longitudinal Associations Between Relationship Qualities With Parents and Peers and Externalizing Behavior in Adolescence
Fischer, K., Larsen, H., van den Akker, A., & Overbeek, G. (2022). The role of sensory processing sensitivity in the longitudinal associations between relationship qualities with parents and peers and externalizing behavior in adolescence. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 39(8), 2549–2571. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221083962
This new study investigated the role of sensory processing sensitivity in the longitudinal associations between relationship qualities with parents and peers and externalising behaviour in adolescence. The researchers found that adolescents with high sensory processing sensitivity have difficulties with interpersonal relationships and profit more from lower levels or the absence of negative relationships with a best friend. They are also more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of high negative relationships with a best friend at the same time, in comparison to adolescents with average or low levels of sensory processing sensitivity.
AUTISM
Intolerance of Uncertainty, Sensory Processing, and Related Correlates in Autistic Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Bradley, Mollie, "Intolerance of Uncertainty, Sensory Processing, and Related Correlates in Autistic Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2022). Theses and Dissertations. 9571. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/9571
This new research investigated the effect that increased uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic had on autistic children, specifically their sensory behaviours and stress levels and on the stress levels of their primary caregivers. The researcher found that there were significant increases in sensory processing difficulties and intolerance of uncertainty from pre to during the first six months of the pandemic for study participants.
Sensory Integration Therapy for Children With Autism and Sensory Processing Difficulties: The SenITA RCT
Randell E, Wright M, Milosevic S, Gillespie D, Brookes-Howell L, Busse-Morris M, et al. Sensory integration therapy for children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: the SenITA RCT. Health Technol Assess 2022;26(29), https://doi.org/10.3310/TQGE0020
The SenITA study was a pragmatic randomised control trial comparing Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy intervention with ‘usual care’ for children, aged 4–11 years with autism and sensory processing difficulty in England and Wales. The study examined the clinical and cost-effectiveness of ASI therapy for such children and included quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data.
The SenITA Study results summary states:
“Therapists delivered the Sensory Integration Therapy well. Carers and therapists said they saw some improvements. However, it was not significantly better than the usual care at improving children's behaviour and everyday functioning and is a more expensive option. We can’t say that Sensory Integration Therapy is helpful for all children with autism and different sensory processing difficulties. But it might be helpful for some children to focus on specific problems. Future work could focus on which children and problems it would help most.”
Associations Among Daily Living Skills, Motor, and Sensory Difficulties in Autistic and Nonautistic Children
Brittany G. Travers, Lucia Lee, Nicole Klans, Alexandra Engeldinger, Desiree Taylor, Karla Ausderau, Emily C. Skaletski, Joshua Brown; Associations Among Daily Living Skills, Motor, and Sensory Difficulties in Autistic and Nonautistic Children. Am J Occup Ther March/April 2022, Vol. 76(2), 7602205020. doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.045955
This study investigated the relationship between combined sensory and motor scores and Daily Living Skills (DLS) performance (a subtest of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales) among autistic and nonautistic children, and explored associations between motor scores and performance on specific DLS items. The researchers found a significant relationship between motor and sensory scores and DLS, but found that the combined motor skills and sensory model explained 5.5% more variance in DLS than the motor-alone model, and similarly, found that the combined motor skills and sensory model explained 4.5% more variance in DLS than the sensory-alone model. The implication for clinical practice is that a combination of motor and sensory assessments will predict a child’s DLS performance better than either sensory or motor assessments alone.
A Systematic Review of Brainstem Contributions to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Seif A, Shea C, Schmid S and Stevenson RA (2021) A Systematic Review of Brainstem Contributions to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front. Integr. Neurosci. 15:760116. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2021.760116
This systematic review investigated brainstem contributions and their functional implications in autism. The most common observation was an alteration in the brainstem size in autistic individuals. The researchers recommended that further research is required due to the role brainstem has as it holds within it the ascending sensory pathways, and a delay in its development could have a cascading effect on the cortex.
Atypical Sensory Processing Features in Children With Autism, and Their Relationships With Maladaptive Behaviors and Caregiver Strain
Griffin, Z. A. M., Boulton, K. A., Thapa, R., DeMayo, M. M., Ambarchi, Z., Thomas, E., Pokorski, I., Hickie, I. B., & Guastella, A. J. (2022). Atypical sensory processing features in children with autism, and their relationships with maladaptive behaviors and caregiver strain. Autism Research, 15( 6), 1120– 1129.https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2700
This study explored four sensory processing features: seeking, avoiding, sensitivity, and registration; and their relationships with maladaptive behaviours in children with autism, as well as with caregiver strain. The researchers found that there was a significant relationship between children with sensory avoiding features and caregiver strain, and discussed the implications of this.
Understanding the Support Experiences of Families of Children With Autism and Sensory Processing Difficulties: A Qualitative Study
Milosevic, S, Brookes-Howell, L, Randell, E, et al. Understanding the support experiences of families of children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: a qualitative study. Health Expect. 2022; 25: 1118- 1130. doi:10.1111/hex.13465
This qualitative study investigated the experiences of, and access to support for families of children with autism and sensory processing difficulties, from the perspective of parents and carers. The researchers found wide variation in support provision for this population, with no clear pathway to support following diagnosis. Further, lack of mental health support was raised as an area of concern for many respondents.
Sensory Features in Autism: Findings From a Large Population-based Surveillance System
Kirby, A. V., Bilder, D. A., Wiggins, L. D., Hughes, M. M., Davis, J., Hall-Lande, J. A., Lee, L.-C., McMahon, W. M., & Bakian, A. V. (2022). Sensory features in autism: Findings from a large population-based surveillance system. Autism Research, 15( 4), 751– 760.https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2670
This study retrospectively investigated the prevalence of sensory features among a sample of 25,627 four- or eight-year-old autistic children. The researchers found that approximately three-quarters of participants demonstrated sensory features which impacted in the areas of adaptive behaviour, emotional states, hyperactivity, motor development, sleeping, and eating.
The Predictive Relationship Between Sensory Reactivity and Depressive Symptoms in Young Autistic Children with Few to No Words
Rossow, T., MacLennan, K. & Tavassoli, T. The Predictive Relationship Between Sensory Reactivity and Depressive Symptoms in Young Autistic Children with Few to No Words. J Autism Dev Disord (2022).https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05528-9
This longitudinal study investigated the relationship between sensory reactivity and depressive symptoms in 33 young autistic children who speak few to no words. The researchers found a significant relationship between hyper-reactivity and sensory seeking and depressive symptoms. However, they also note that results should be considered with caution as data was collected through parent reporting measures and recommend that further research in this area is needed.
Neural Dynamics Driving Audio-visual Integration in Autism
Luca Ronconi, PhD, Andrea Vitale, PhD, Alessandra Federici, Msc, Noemi Mazzoni, PhD, Luca Battaglini, PhD, Massimo Molteni, MD, Luca Casartelli, PhD, Neural dynamics driving audio-visual integration in autism, Cerebral Cortex, 2022;, bhac083,https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhac083
This study researched the neural correlates of AudioVisual integration in children with ASD and their typically developing (TD) peers. The researchers found a significant difference in how this information was processed and modulated in the two groups. They observed a significant modulation of stimuli in visual areas for trials where AV stimuli were bounded together (bounce) or processed separately (stream) in the TD group, however his modulation was not found in the ASD group, neither in the occipital nor in the temporal areas.
The Sensory Experiences of Autistic People: A Metasynthesis
Sibeoni, J., Massoutier, L., Valette, M., Manolios, E., Verneuil, L., Speranza, M., & Revah-Levy, A. (2022). The sensory experiences of autistic people: A metasynthesis. Autism.https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221081188
This study explored the lived experience of autistic individuals in relation to their self reported sensory experiences. The researchers found that the sensory experiences of autistic people affect a number of dimensions which the researchers categorised as: (1) physical – pain and other disagreeable physical sensations; (2) emotional – not only fear, anger and sadness but also peace, joy and pleasure; (3) relational – hindrance of daily interactions, supportive relationships, sex life; and (4) social – social isolation, spaces of socialisation, desire for social interactions and stigmatisation. The researchers concluded that adopting a holistic approach while exploring the sensory experience of autistic people is important when supporting autistic individuals and will offer more appropriate person-centred strategies to reduce potential distress.
Understanding the Support Experiences of Families of Children With Autism and Sensory Processing Difficulties: A Qualitative Study
Milosevic, S, Brookes-Howell, L, Randell, E, et al. Understanding the support experiences of families of children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: a qualitative study. Health Expect. 2022; 25: 1118- 1130. doi:10.1111/hex.13465
This qualitative study investigated the experiences of and access to support for families of children with autism and sensory processing difficulties, from the perspective of parents and carers based in the UK. Parents and carers reported that one of the key barriers to accessing support was the dismissal of children's difficulties by professionals, which caused difficulties in the form of delays in diagnosis, rejection of referrals for additional support, and needs not being provided for in school. A number of parents also reported that they found a lack of understanding of their children's sensory needs, which were either not recognised or addressed consistently.
Association Between Sensory Features and High-Order Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Neta Katz Zetler, Sharon A. Cermak, Batya Engel-Yeger, Grace Baranek, Eynat Gal; Association Between Sensory Features and High-Order Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Am J Occup Ther May/June 2022, Vol. 76(3), 7603205010. doi:https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.048082
This study investigated the relationship between sensory features and High-Order Repetitive and Restricted Behaviours and Interests (RRBIs) among autistic children. The researchers found that the presence of auditory, visual, and tactile sensory processing difficulties were most strongly associated with RRBIs in this population.
Sleep, Sensory Integration/Processing, and Autism: A Scoping Review
Lane SJ, Leão MA and Spielmann V (2022) Sleep, Sensory Integration/Processing, and Autism: A Scoping Review. Front. Psychol. 13:877527. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.877527
This scoping review investigated the relationship between sleep and sensory processing and integration in autism. The evidence found by the researchers demonstrate a co-existence of sensory integration/processing differences and sleep concerns in autistic children, and to some extent, autistic adults.
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ADHD
Age of Diagnosis for Co-occurring Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During Childhood and Adolescence: a Systematic Review
Sainsbury, W.J., Carrasco, K., Whitehouse, A.J.O. et al. Age of Diagnosis for Co-occurring Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During Childhood and Adolescence: a Systematic Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord (2022).https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-022-00309-7
This review investigated the timings of individuals receiving a diagnosis of both Autism and ADHD. The researchers found children with co-occurring Autism + ADHD and their families waited longer for a diagnosis and recommend that more research in this area in order to ensure that children and families get access to the support they need.
Decreased Interoceptive Accuracy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and With Comorbid Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Yang, H., Zhou, H., Li, Y., Cui, Y., Xiang, Y., Yuan, R., Lui, S. S. Y., & Chan, R. C. K. (2022). Decreased interoceptive accuracy in children with autism spectrum disorder and with comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Autism Research, 15( 4), 729– 739.https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2679
This study investigated the interoceptive accuracy (IA) in children with ASD, children with comorbid ASD and ADHD, and typically developing (TD) children with high and low levels of autistic traits. The researchers found that study participants with ASD had significantly lower IA than the control group consisting of neurotypical children.
Structural Brain Measures Among Children With and Without ADHD in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study Cohort: A Cross-Sectional US Population-Based Study
Bernanke J, Luna A, Chang L, Bruno E, Dworkin J, Posner J. Structural brain measures among children with and without ADHD in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study cohort: a cross-sectional US population-based study. Lancet Psychiatry. 2022 Mar;9(3):222-231. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00505-8.
This study, the largest neuroimaging study of ADHD to date, investigated differences in structural MRI measures among children with and without ADHD. In this sample, which included 10,736 participants, researchers found 11 significant differences in brain measures between children with and without ADHD. All the effects indicated reductions in measures in children with ADHD relative to the comparison group. Differences were detected in the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, precentral and postcentral gyri, and middle temporal gyrus. These regions have been implicated in salience detection, behavioural inhibition, and sensory integration.
ATTACHMENT & TRAUMA
Emotions and Sensory Processing in Adolescents: The Effect of Childhood Traumatic Experiences
Mi Soon Jeon, Eun Bit Bae, Emotions and sensory processing in adolescents: The effect of childhood traumatic experiences, Journal of Psychiatric Research, Volume 151, 2022, Pages 136-143, ISSN 0022-3956,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.054.
This study investigated the association between childhood trauma emotions and sensory processing in adolescents. The researchers found a significant relationship between trauma and negative emotions, difficulty in emotional regulation, and sensory processing scores in adolescents participating in this study.
Emotions and Sensory Processing in Adolescents: The Effect of Childhood Traumatic Experiences
Mi Soon Jeon, Eun Bit Bae, Emotions and sensory processing in adolescents: The effect of childhood traumatic experiences, Journal of Psychiatric Research, Volume 151, 2022, Pages 136-143, ISSN 0022-3956,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.054.
This study investigated the association between childhood trauma emotions and sensory processing in adolescents. The researchers found that childhood trauma experience was strongly positively associated in study participants with negative emotion, emotion dysregulation, and sensory processing differences in taste/smell, vision, auditory, tactile domains were reported.
The Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Attachment Patterns: A Scoping Review
Kerley, L. J., Meredith, P. J., & Harnett, P. H. (2022). The Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Attachment Patterns: A Scoping Review. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy.https://doi.org/10.1177/00084174221102726
This review, consisting of 22 studies, researched the relationship between sensory processing and attachment patterns across the life span. The researchers found that more typical sensory modulation is associated with more secure attachment patterns in children, whilst in adults it was found that sensory processing patterns characterised by a low neurological threshold (i.e., sensory sensitivity and sensory avoidance) were related to attachment anxiety and avoidance.
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
Sensory Processing Difficulties in Patients with Functional Neurological Disorder: Occupational Therapy Management Strategies and Two Cases
Julie MacLean, Sara A. Finkelstein, Sara Paredes-Echeverri, David L. Perez, Jessica Ranford, Sensory Processing Difficulties in Patients with Functional Neurological Disorder: Occupational Therapy Management Strategies and Two Cases, Seminars in Pediatric Neurology, Volume 41, 2022, 100951, ISSN 1071-9091,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2022.100951.
This paper reviewed the role for occupational therapy (OT) in the multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to managing patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and sensory processing difficulties. Through the case study examples this paper demonstrates how an OT-based treatment of sensory processing difficulties can be a component of a multidisciplinary approach to FND treatment.
SOCIOEMOTIONAL
Socio-Emotional Well-being Benefits of Yoga for Atypically Developing Children
Laxman, K. (2022), Socio-emotional well-being benefits of yoga for atypically developing children. J Res Spec Educ Needs, 22: 158-166.https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12556
This study investigated the impact of yoga at school on the well-being and behaviours of atypically developing children. A number of benefits were observed in relation to the behaviours and attitudes of participating children. Participants demonstrated an improvement in motor skills and it was reported that the children found the breathing techniques helpful in enabling them to feel calmer and poised and to deal with their reactive emotions in more constructive ways.
Social and Emotional Characteristics of Girls and Young Women With DDX3X-associated Intellectual Disability: A Descriptive and Comparative Study
Ng-Cordell, E., Kolesnik-Taylor, A., O’Brien, S. et al. Social and emotional characteristics of girls and young women with DDX3X-associated intellectual disability: a descriptive and comparative study. J Autism Dev Disord (2022).https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05527-w
This study researched the social and emotional characteristics of girls and young women with DDX3X-associated intellectual disability. DDX3X syndrome is a recently identified genetic disorder that accounts for 1–3% of cases of unexplained developmental delay and/or intellectual disability (ID) in females. The researchers found that girls and young women presented with a significantly higher rate of anxiety in comparison to a control group.
Sensory Processing Sensitivity Behavior Moderates the Association Between Environmental Harshness, Unpredictability, and Child Socioemotional Functioning
Li, Z., Sturge-Apple, M., Jones-Gordils, H., & Davies, P. (2022). Sensory processing sensitivity behavior moderates the association between environmental harshness, unpredictability, and child socioemotional functioning. Development and Psychopathology, 34(2), 675-688. doi:10.1017/S0954579421001188
This study investigated how environmental harshness and unpredictability might function directly and in interaction with child Sensory Processing sensitivity (SPS) to shape the development of child socioemotional functioning. The researchers found that children with greater observed SPS exhibited greater increases in externalising problems over the course of 1 year when experiencing greater environment unpredictability.
SCHOOLS
Addressing Sensory Needs for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Classroom
Dynia, J. M., Walton, K. M., Sagester, G. M., Schmidt, E. K., & Tanner, K. J. (2022). Addressing Sensory Needs for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Classroom. Intervention in School and Clinic.https://doi.org/10.1177/10534512221093786
This paper used the ESSA four-tier framework to describes the evidence for different sensory-based interventions that educators can feasibly implement in classroom settings. Evidence requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a US framework, are designed to ensure that states, districts, and schools can identify programs, practices, products, and policies that work across various populations. The researchers emphasised the importance of assessing individual children, and that sensory interventions are not 'one size fits all'.
Development of Special Needs Classroom Prototypes to Respond to the Sensory Needs of Students With Exceptionalities
Patel, T., Dorff, J. and Baker, A. (2022), "Development of special needs classroom prototypes to respond to the sensory needs of students with exceptionalities", Archnet-IJAR, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 339-358.https://doi.org/10.1108/ARCH-07-2021-0196
This paper discusses considerations and provides recommendations to meet the sensory needs impacting on students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID) and Emotional Disturbance (ED) focus, behaviour and classroom engagement with course content and peers.
What Is the Current Level of Knowledge and Confidence of Mainstream School Sencos in Sensory Integration Theory and Using Sensory Strategies Within Education?
Quinn , J., Pedlow, K., & Bleakley, C. M. (2022). What is the current level of knowledge and confidence of mainstream school SENCOs in sensory integration theory and using sensory strategies within education? Support for Learning, 37(1), 80-90.https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9604.12396
This study from SIE Advanced Practitioner and MSc SI graduate, Jenny Quinn, investigated the current level of knowledge and confidence of mainstream school SENCOs in the UK on the topic of sensory integration and the use of sensory strategies within education. The researchers found that 60% of respondents indicated that there was a gap in their knowledge in relation to this topic. The researchers also found that participants who indicated that their schools were 'sensory friendly' showed a greater understanding of what sensory integration is important for.
ASSESSMENT
Sensory Profiles in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Study Using the Sensory Processing Measure-2 (SPM-2)
Narzisi, A., Fabbri-Destro, M., Crifaci, G., Scatigna, S., Maugeri, F., Berloffa, S., Fantozzi, P., et al. (2022). Sensory Profiles in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Study Using the Sensory Processing Measure-2 (SPM-2). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(6), 1668. MDPI AG. Retrieved fromhttp://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061668
This study compared sensory processing between school-aged children with ASD and typically developing peers (TD) in Italy, and evaluated whether, within the ASD sample, the cognitive level and reported sensory symptoms explain the scores obtained on the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM-2). The researchers found that autistic children showed differences in the hearing and social participation sub scales of the SPM-2 which in turn, could affect their social skills. Further, a difference was found in the SPM-2 scores for children who scored highly on the WISC-4 (a cognitive assessment) compared to children scoring lower on the WISC-4.
Using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory to Assess Self-Care Performance Among Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
I-Jou Chi, Ling-Yi Lin; Using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory to Assess Self-Care Performance Among Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Am J Occup Ther March/April 2022, Vol. 76(2), 7602205100. doi:https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.046326
This study investigated self-care performance among preschool children with ASD using two standardised tests, the AMPS and PEDI-C. Of the 60 participants, over half demonstrated difficulties with self-care, indicating a need for Occupational Therapists to address this area of occupational performance for children with ASD.
EASI Praxis Tests: Age Trends and Internal Consistency
Liron Lamash, Patricia Grady-Dominguez, Zoe Mailloux, L. Diane Parham, Roseann C. Schaaf, Susanne Smith Roley, Eynat Gal; EASI Praxis Tests: Age Trends and Internal Consistency. Am J Occup Ther March/April 2022, Vol. 76(2), 7602345020. doi:https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.049145
This cross sectional study evaluated the internal consistency of four praxis subtests of the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) assessment and their validity as developmental measures.The researchers found that for the study sample, that consisted of 234 typically developing children and young adolescents, ages 6 to 12 years, that there were moderate to high internal consistency for all tests, and correlations between age and praxis scores indicating that the EASI Praxis tests are sensitive to developmental changes. In addition, it was found that praxis development appears to continue through middle childhood into early adolescence and the researchers suggest that praxis development should be studied further in adolescent and young adult populations.
Sensory Processing in Young Children With Visual Impairments: Use and Extension of the Sensory Profile
Suzanne Houwen, Ralf F.A. Cox, Minette Roza, Femke Oude Lansink, Jannemieke van Wolferen, André B. Rietman, Sensory processing in young children with visual impairments: Use and extension of the Sensory Profile, Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 127, 2022, 104251, ISSN 0891-4222,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104251.
This study investigated sensory processing patterns in young children with a visual impairment (VI), and developed VI-specific items to use in conjunction with the Sensory Profile. Age-related differences in sensory processing were found. Children with VI show more sensory processing difficulties than a norm group. Sensory processing difficulties were related to emotional and behavioural problems.
ADULTS
Assessing Sensory Processing in Adults
Gomez, I.N., Medallon, K.G. Assessing Sensory Processing in Adults. Curr Dev Disord Rep (2022).https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-022-00249-1
This new paper reviewed three tools assessing sensory processing in adults: Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire (GSQ), and the Adult Sensory Processing Scale (ASPS). The researchers found that the AASP has been shown to be useful when working with a varied population and concluded that the strength of GSQ is the evidence that supports its use specifically among adults within the autism spectrum. Although newer in its development, the researchers found that the ASPS provided initial evidence of its utility among healthy adults.
Autism and Chronic Ill Health: An Observational Study of Symptoms and Diagnoses of Central Sensitivity Syndromes in Autistic Adults
Grant, S., Norton, S., Weiland, R.F. et al. Autism and chronic ill health: an observational study of symptoms and diagnoses of central sensitivity syndromes in autistic adults. Molecular Autism 13, 7 (2022).https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-022-00486-6
This study investigated the occurrence of Central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) diagnoses and symptoms in autistic adults, and whether CSS symptoms were related to autistic traits, mental health, sensory sensitivity, or gender. CSS are a group of related conditions that are thought to include an underlying sensitisation of the central nervous system and heightened sensory sensitivity is a common feature of this health condition. In this large sample of 973 autistic adults, 21% reported a CSS diagnosis, suggesting that CSS symptoms are very common in autistic people.
“It is a Big Spider Web of Things”: Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults in Public Spaces
MacLennan, K., Woolley, C., @21andsensory, E., Heasman, B., Starns, J., George, B., & Manning, C. (2022, March 18). “It is a big spider web of things”: Sensory experiences of autistic adults in public spaces.https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/9qadm
This qualitative study investigated the sensory experiences of autistic adults in public spaces. The researchers share commonly disabling sensory environments for autistic adults, and identified 6 key principles that underlie how disabling or enabling sensory environments are. They categorised these as: Sensoryscape (sensory environment), Space, Predictability, Understanding, Adjustments, and Recovery.
Sensory Processing Abnormalities in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Mixed Methods Study
Rhodus, E. K., Hunter, E. G., Rowles, G. D., Bardach, S. H., Parsons, K., Barber, J., Thompson, M., & Jicha, G. A. (2022). Sensory Processing Abnormalities in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Mixed Methods Study. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214211068290
This mixed methods study explored relationships between sensory processing sensory processing, behaviour, and environmental features within the homes of older people with Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia. The researchers found that unique environmental adaptations, tailored to personal and sensory preferences for each participant, were associated with a decreased level of behavioural disruption during the study observation periods. They concluded that considering the sensory needs of this population can improve the quality of life and enable prolonged residence in familiar settings for older adults with cognitive impairment.
Relationships Between Executive Functions and Sensory Patterns Among Adults With Specific Learning Disabilities As Reflected in Their Daily Functioning
Sharfi K, Rosenblum S, Meyer S (2022) Relationships between executive functions and sensory patterns among adults with specific learning disabilities as reflected in their daily functioning. PLoS ONE 17(4): e0266385.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266385
This study investigated how relationships between executive functions and sensory patterns among adults with specific learning disabilities (SLD) impacts on their daily functioning. The SLD group consisted of participants with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.The researchers found that 56.4% of participants in the SLD group had higher scores than most people in the low-registration sensory pattern, and 63.6% had higher scores than most people in the sensory-sensitivity pattern, compared to a control group without SLD. It was found that adults with SLD who have low sensory thresholds, may experience a sensory overload that interferes with their ability to select relevant information and impacts on executive functions. No significant relationships were found between any EF score and the sensory-seeking pattern in this study.
Sensory Processing, Perceived Stress and Burnout Symptoms in a Working Population during the COVID-19 Crisis
van den Boogert, F., Spaan, P., Sizoo, B., Bouman, Y. H. A., Hoogendijk, W. J. G., & Roza, S. J. (2022). Sensory Processing, Perceived Stress and Burnout Symptoms in a Working Population during the COVID-19 Crisis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(4), 2043.https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042043
This study researched the correlation between sensory processing patterns, perceived stress and occupational burnout as a stress-related condition in a working population. The researchers found that for a total of 116 workers who completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), higher scores on sensory sensitivity and low registration correlated with higher scores on perceived stress and core burnout symptoms.
FEEDING & FOOD BEHAVIOURS
Autistic Women’s Views and Experiences of Infant Feeding: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence
Grant, A., Jones, S., Williams, K., Leigh, J., & Brown, A. (2022). Autistic women’s views and experiences of infant feeding: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. Autism.https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221089374
This qualitative systematic review explored autistic women’s views and experiences of infant feeding. The researchers found that sensory challenges, pain and interoceptive differences made breastfeeding challenging for some autistic mothers and that there is an urgent need for maternity and infant feeding services to accommodate the needs of this population.
Evaluation of MealSense©: A Sensory Integration–Based Feeding Support Program for Parents
Audrey Trewin, Zoe Mailloux, Roseann C. Schaaf; Evaluation of MealSense©: A Sensory Integration–Based Feeding Support Program for Parents. Am J Occup Ther May/June 2022, Vol. 76(3), 7603345020. doi:https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.046987
This study evaluated the content, acceptability, and usefulness of MealSense©, an online parent education program for children with ASD who have feeding challenges related to difficulties with sensory processing and sensory integration. The researchers found that 'MealSense' demonstrated consistency with ASI and best practices in feeding and that parents perceived it as an acceptable and useful tool to help address their children's feeding difficulties.
A Comparison of Food Avoidant Behaviours and Sensory Sensitivity in Adults With and Without Tourette Syndrome
Bobbie L. Smith, Roberto Gutierrez, Amanda K. Ludlow, A comparison of food avoidant behaviours and sensory sensitivity in adults with and without Tourette syndrome, Appetite, Volume 168, 2022, 105713, ISSN 0195-6663,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2021.105713.
This study researched differences in food selectivity, food neophobia (the reluctance to eat, or the avoidance of, new foods) and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)-associated behaviours, between adults with and without Tourette Syndrome (TS). Sensory sensitivity was also compared for study participants. The researchers found that adults with TS showed greater sensitivity to taste, touch and vision compared to adults without TS, and a significantly greater incidence of neophobia.
Maternal Sensitivity During Mealtime and Free Play: Differences and Explanatory Factors
van Vliet, M. S., Mesman, J., Schultink, J. M., Vereijken, C. M. J. L., Martens, V. E. G., & van der Veek, S. M. C. (2022). Maternal sensitivity during mealtime and free play: Differences and explanatory factors. Infancy, 27( 3), 630– 644.https://doi.org/10.1111/infa.12465
This study investigated the relationship between children's eating behaviour and maternal sensitivity, the quality with which mothers respond to their infants’ cues in a timely and appropriate manner during mealtime. The researchers found that mothers responded more sensitively to children who showed more food enjoyment and less sensitively to children who showed higher levels of challenging behaviour during the meal. This highlights the need to support parents whose children display picky eating behaviour.
Sensory Processing and Eating Behaviours in Autism: A Systematic Review
Nimbley, E., Golds, L., Sharpe, H., Gillespie-Smith, K., & Duffy, F. (2022). Sensory processing and eating behaviours in autism: A systematic review. European Eating Disorders Review, 1– 22.https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2920
This new review investigated the relationship between sensory processing and a broad range of eating behaviours across the lifespan in autistic adults. The researchers found that evidence across three domains that eating was reflective of a multi-sensory experience, with a broad range of sensory modalities implicated in the relationship with atypical eating behaviours, with taste/smell sensitivities consistently implicated in the relationship between general mealtime and eating behaviours.
The Lived Experience of Parenting a Child With Sensory Sensitivity and Picky Eating
Cunliffe, L., Coulthard, H., & Williamson, I. R. (2022). The lived experience of parenting a child with sensory sensitivity and picky eating. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 18, e13330.https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13330
This study explored the lived experiences of parents/caregivers who have a child with sensory processing differences and picky eating behaviours. Parents typically described their experiences as a difficult, lonely, and unsupportive journey and felt that more support and less judgement from family and others in the community would be a helpful start to make this easier for them.
Associations of Toddler Mechanical/Distress Feeding Problems With Psychopathology Symptoms Five Years Later
Putnick, D.L., Bell, E.M., Ghassabian, A., Polinski, K.J., Robinson, S.L., Sundaram, R. and Yeung, E. (2022), Associations of toddler mechanical/distress feeding problems with psychopathology symptoms five years later. J Child Psychol Psychiatr.https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13567
This study investigated the correlation between toddler mechanical/distress feeding problems and psychopathology symptoms five years later from the time feeding problems were reported. The researchers found that the mechanical/distress feeding factor, but not the food refusal factor, was significantly associated with ADHD symptoms, problematic behaviour symptoms, and anxiety/depression symptoms in study participants.
Associations Between Childhood Autistic Traits and Adolescent Eating Disorder Behaviours Are Partially Mediated by Fussy Eating
Carter Leno, V., Micali, N., Bryant-Waugh, R., & Herle, M. (2022). Associations between childhood autistic traits and adolescent eating disorder behaviours are partially mediated by fussy eating. European Eating Disorders Review, 1– 12.https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2902
This study investigated the contribution of fussy eating towards the association between childhood autistic traits and adolescent eating disorder behaviours. The researchers found that higher autistic traits at age 7 were associated with less reduction in fussy eating between age 7–13 years, and a lower reduction in fussy eating was associated with higher levels of disordered eating at age 14.
Interrelation of Food Selectivity, Oral Sensory Sensitivity, and Nutrient Intake in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review
Maizatul Naqiah Zulkifli, Masne Kadar, Michael Fenech, Nur Hana Hamzaid, Interrelation of food selectivity, oral sensory sensitivity, and nutrient intake in children with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 93, 2022, 101928, ISSN 1750-9467,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2022.101928.
This systematic review investigated the relationship between food selectivity and oral sensory sensitivity and the possible consequences of food selectivity on nutrient intake in children with ASD. The researchers found that food selectivity was more prevalent amongst study participants with ASD and that this was exacerbated by sensory processing difficulties. They concluded that unique dietary habits displayed by children with ASD require multidisciplinary intervention strategies to minimise food-avoidant behaviours that may hamper their nutritional status and cognitive and social-behavioural performances.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and Severe Food Selectivity in Children and Young People With Autism: A Scoping Review
Bourne, L., Mandy, W. and Bryant-Waugh, R. (2022), Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and severe food selectivity in children and young people with autism: A scoping review. Dev Med Child Neurol, 64: 691-700.https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15139
This scoping review investigated the nature of feeding and eating difficulties in children and young people with autism; the consequences of a severely restricted diet; and what is known about effective treatment approaches. The researchers found that sensory sensitivities are currently the most commonly described in children and young people with autism but that further research is needed to explore other presentations of ARFID, including a lack of interest in eating and anxiety-related avoidance.
MENTAL HEALTH
Progress in Sensorimotor Neuroscience of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Dusan Hirjak, Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, Fabio Sambataro, Stefan Fritze, Jacqueline Kukovic, Katharina M. Kubera, Robert C. Wolf, Progress in sensorimotor neuroscience of schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Lessons learned and future directions, Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, Volume 111, 2021, 110370, ISSN 0278-5846,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110370.
This systematic review highlights recent neuroimaging findings and recommendations for future research in relation to sensorimotor difficulties in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). The researchers concluded that the cerebello-thalamo-cortico-cerebellar network dysfunction involved in sensorimotor challenges in this population and recommended that further research is needed to translate these findings to interventions for this population.
Effectiveness of Sensory Modulation for People With Schizophrenia: A Multisite Quantitative Prospective Cohort Study
Machingura, T., Shum, D., Lloyd, C., Murphy, K., Rathbone, E., & Green, H. (2022). Effectiveness of sensory modulation for people with schizophrenia: A multisite quantitative prospective cohort study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 1– 12.https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12803
This study researched the extent to which health, social, cognitive, and occupational functioning outcomes were impacted by sensory modulation interventions for people with schizophrenia. The researchers found improvements on perceived occupational functioning and a reduction in distress found within the intervention group but recommend further studies in this area to further contribute to the evidence.
Sensory Processing Difficulties in Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-Analysis
Frank van den Boogert, Katharina Klein, Pascalle Spaan, Bram Sizoo, Yvonne H.A. Bouman, Witte J.G. Hoogendijk, Sabine J. Roza, Sensory processing difficulties in psychiatric disorders: A meta-analysis, Journal of Psychiatric Research, Volume 151, 2022, Pages 173-180, ISSN 0022-3956,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.04.020.
This paper investigated the sensory processing patterns of adolescent and adult individuals with a broad spectrum of different psychiatric conditions. The review included 33 studies and it was found that for the majority of studies, excluding autistic adult participants, participants with intellectual disability and for elderly participants with neurocognitive disorders, participants showed elevated levels of low registration, sensory sensitivity and sensory avoiding and lowered sensory seeking behaviour.
GENETIC DISORDERS
Sensory Processing in Sotos Syndrome and Tatton-Brown Rahman Syndrome
Smith, H., Lane, C., Al-Jawahiri, R., & Freeth, M. (2022, January 17). Sensory Processing in Sotos Syndrome and Tatton-Brown Rahman Syndrome.https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/zc23r
This study investigated sensory processing in Sotos Syndrome and Tatton-Brown Rahman Syndrome, syndromes characterised by autistic traits and intellectual disability. The researchers found that behaviours consistent with poor sensory registration was particularly prominent in both Sotos and TBRS, which means that this group of children may be missing more sensory cues than others.
