Sensory Integration Education

Each month we take a look at the latest Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing research and findings.

The Development of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist (SEE-C): Preliminary Reliability and Validity

This new paper discusses the preliminary reliability and validity of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist (SEE-C). Preliminary associations were obtained between the social emotional factors and sub scales of the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions (SP3D) Assessment, suggesting that some sensory patterns may be linked to specific social emotional styles.

Parent-young Person Lived Experience of Sensory Dysregulation in Children with Tic Disorders: A Qualitative Study

This new qualitative study investigated sensory dysregulation in young people with Tic disorders and the impact of this on their participation in daily activities. A key finding was how over-responsivity to auditory and tactile sensory input impacted negatively on participation in study participants.

Water Competency and Sensory Processing Among Children on the Autism Spectrum

This new study investigated water competency and sensory processing in autistic children. The researchers identified that children's sensory characteristics and prior exposure to water activities affected their water competency and highlighted the need for water safety training that meets the needs of this group.

Sensory Processing Patterns of Women in a Reintegration Facility: An Exploratory Study

This recent study investigated the sensory processing patterns of women in a reintegration facility. The researchers found that the inmates had statistically different mean scores in low registration (higher), sensory avoiding (higher) and sensory sensitivity (higher) compared to the norm when assessed on the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile.

They identified the need for further research into the specific factors shaping the sensory experience of incarcerated individuals in order to better support them.

Autistic and Autism Community Perspectives on Infant and Family Support in the First Two Years of Life: Findings from a Community Consultation Survey

This recent study investigated community perspectives on infant and family support in the first two years of life for autistic children. Key themes that emerged concerning support were that support should address the environment to meet infant needs, create opportunity for choice and control, and educate parents about autism and promoting positive, warm infant–caregiver interaction.

Investigating the Influence of the Properties of School Uniforms on Children With Sensory Overreactivity

This study investigated the aspects of school uniforms that could be challenging for children and young people who are over-responsive to sensory input. Three themes emerged: the fabric, design and construction of the garment.

Aberrant Salience Signaling in Auditory Processing in Schizophrenia: Evidence for Abnormalities in Both Sensory Processing and Emotional Reactivity

This new study investigated aspects of sensory experience and emotional reactivity in adults with schizophrenia. The researchers found that in comparison to participants without schizophrenia, those with schizophrenia presented with sensory differences that impacted on participation across sensory modalities and not just auditory sensory processing. Participants with schizophrenia also presented with a higher frequency of misophonia and emotional reactivity.

Parental Perspectives on the Use of Fidget Toys and Sensory-seeking Profiles in Autistic and Neurotypical Children

This study investigated parental perspectives on the use of fidget toys to help with sensory regulation in autistic and neurotypical children. In both groups of children, parents of children who presented as sensory seeking on the Sensory Profile 2 assessments indicated that fidget toys were helpful tools to help their child regulate themselves.

“Utterly Overwhelming”—A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Sensory Processing Differences and Mental Health Experiences in Middle-Aged and Older Autistic Adults

This recent study investigated sensory processing differences and mental health in autistic older adults. The researchers found a positive correlation between anxiety and depression and sensory processing differences in this population.

Evidence Synthesis and Clinical Recommendations for Supporting School Students With Sensory Processing Challenges: A Rapid Review

This new rapid review investigated the evidence for supporting children with sensory processing differences in school. The researchers found evidence to suggest that for some children with sensory differences, alternate seating arrangements, sound amplification systems and multisensory environments can help support their participation in the school environment.

The Lived Experience of Adults with Dyspraxia/DCD : A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University

This recent PhD study by Leanne Maria McAllum investigated the lived experience of adults with dyspraxia. In this qualitative study, Dr McAllum found that, amongst other findings, dyspraxia impacted career choices as a result of a lack of understanding of the condition and also highlights the long-term psychosocial implications. This research highlights the need to support individuals with dyspraxia against the lifespan as well as including dyspraxic individuals in policy making and research.

Interoceptive Signals Shape the Earliest Markers and Neural Pathway to Awareness at the Visual Threshold

This recent study investigated interoceptive signals and how it impacts perceptual awareness. The researchers found evidence to suggest that internal awareness of body signals impacts awareness of external stimuli.

Participation in Daily Activities of Children with Atopic Diseases and Its Relation to Their Sensory Modulation Difficulties

This new study investigated sensory modulation and participation in daily activities in children with atopic diseases. The researchers differentiated between 3 atopic groups and found that in each group, sensory modulation impacted activity choices, for example, children with asthma showed higher sensitivity to vestibular stimuli and showed a preference for skill-based and informal activities.