Sensory Integration Education

Each month we take a look at the latest SI research and research of topical interest - this month, we have a focus on sensory awareness.

Sensory Processing in Depression: Assessment and Intervention Perspective

This study investigated sensory processing differences among individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) through the use of the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile. The researchers observed significant correlations between anxiety, self-esteem, psychomotor retardation and sensory processing patterns in study participants.

Assessment of Sensory Integration in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review to Identify Tools Compatible with Family-Centred Approach and Daily Routines

This recent systematic review investigated sensory integration assessment instruments for children up to 6 years old which are compatible with recommended early intervention practice. In the findings of this open access paper the researchers list 7 assessments that identify the impact that sensory issues may have in daily life.

Sensory Experiences and Children with Severe Disabilities: Impacts on Learning

This study investigated the impact of an environment with limited opportunities for rich sensory experiences on students with severe disabilities. The study took place in a middle school in the US (age group 11-14 years) and the researchers found that for some participants, an environment that did not meet their sensory needs was likely to contribute to them establishing passive sensory processing patterns, which would then reinforce increasingly long periods of waiting and more passivity.

Patterns of Equipment Use for Autistic Children in Multi-sensory Environments: Time Spent with Sensory Equipment Varies by Sensory Profile and Intellectual Ability

This recent study investigated the frequency and duration of visits to multi-sensory environment equipment of autistic children during 5 minutes of free play. The researchers found that participants' preference of multi-sensory environment equipment was related to individual differences in sensory behaviour and emphasised the importance of understanding an individual’s profile when recommending equipment.

#DCD/Dyspraxia in Real Life: Twitter Users’ Unprompted Expression of Experiences with Motor Differences

This new study used social media to explore the experiences of adolescents and adults who identify as members of the DCD/dyspraxia community. The findings shared by this community provide an important insight into their experiences of everyday life with the impact of motor differences seen on their daily living skills, leisure activities, and work.

Experiences of Sensory Overload and Communication Barriers by Autistic Adults in Health Care Settings

This study investigated specific challenges regarding sensory experiences and communicative barriers in healthcare settings for autistic adults. A key finding was that auditory stimuli and proximity to other people were particularly challenging for autistic study participants, causing stress or avoidance and impacting their ability to interact with healthcare providers.

The Relationship Between Sensory Reactivity, Intolerance of Uncertainty and Anxiety Subtypes in Preschool-age Autistic Children

This study investigated the association between sensory reactivity, intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety subtypes in preschool-age autistic children. The researchers found a significant association between sensory hyperreactivity and separation anxiety in this study when autism traits were taken into account.

Early Spontaneous Movements and Sensory Processing in Preterm Infants

This recent study investigated sensory integration and processing differences in pre-term infants. The researchers found that preterm infants born at <32 wk gestation showed more sensory processing differences that impacted on participation than those born at 32 to 36 wk gestation later on when assessed on the Sensory Profile 2.

The Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Attachment Patterns: A Scoping Review

This scoping review investigated the association between Sensory Processing and Attachment Patterns. It was found that in adults more extreme patterns of sensory modulation including higher levels of sensory sensitivity were generally observed in individuals with attachment insecurity.

Adolescents’ and Adults’ Perceptions of Sensory-Based Interventions: A Qualitative Analysis

This new study investigated adolescents' and adults' perspective of sensory-based interventions. The study consisted of 11 participants with sensory integration and processing differences who had previously completed occupational therapy interventions. Following data analysis, 3 primary themes were identified which included therapist-related factors, client-related factors and follow up.

A key finding was that participants in this program identified being able to effectively incorporate individualised sensory and motor strategies into their daily routines as well as alerting them to difficulties and learning calming strategies. Participants also indicated that following intervention they felt better able to advocate for themselves.

Experience of Activity and Participation in Individuals with Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia and Their Surrounding People: A Qualitative Systematic Review

This recent qualitative systematic review investigated the impact of dyspraxia on an individual's participation in daily life. The researchers found that dyspraxia can impact in all areas of an individual's life and outlined the domains and the impact on each area, for example, leisure choices and the impact on socialising with others.

Increased Prevalence of Sensory Processing Issues in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Patient Population

This study investigated sensory processing differences in children and young people with gastrointestinal health problems. The researchers found that there was a higher incidence of sensory processing differences that impact on participation in daily life in this population and in particular an increased prevalence of over-responsivity to sensory input.

Living with Dyspraxia: A Personal Perspective

This recent opinion piece provides an important insight into the use of warm-up activities for educational or social purposes and how challenging these can be for dyspraxic individuals.

Core of Sensory Gating Deficits in First-episode Schizophrenia: Attention Dysfunction

This recent study investigated sensory gating in individuals with Schizophrenia - the researchers found significant impairments in sensory gating and cognitive function in participants with Schizophrenia compared to individuals in the control group.

Sensory Processing in Young Children with Visual Impairments: Use and Extension of the Sensory Profile

This study investigated sensory processing patterns and differences in children with visual impairment - the researchers found that children with visual impairment presented with sensory processing differences in all four quadrants of the Sensory Profile assessment in comparison to their peers. In younger children (age 3-5 years) these differences also impacted emotional regulation and behaviour.

Sensory Sensitivity after Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

This recent systematic review, reviewed current evidence on sensory processing differences and sensory sensitivity after acquired brain injury. The researchers found that sensory sensitivity had an impact on the recovery time of individuals with brain injury and was also associated with decreased chances of getting clearing to resume driving.

Observed Sensory Reactivity During Mother–Infant Play Across Infancy

This recent study investigated how sensory processing differences impact on participation in a group of 56 babies and infants. The researchers observed hypo and hyper-responsivity in this population which impacted on infant's ability to play and engage with family members. They recommend that assessing sensory reactivity is considered in early infancy in cases where children present with difficulty with engaging with their environment and caregivers.