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 inclusion and inclusive and neuro-affirmative perspectives in sensory services.

Neurodiversity in the City: Exploring the Complex Geographies of Belonging and Exclusion in Urban Space

This recent paper discusses everyday experiences of neurodiverse individuals in the city and discusses ways that urban spaces can become more enabling, accessible or inclusionary for neurodiverse individuals by taking their sensory and other needs into account.

Exploring the Prognosis: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study of Children with Sensory Processing Challenges 8–32 Years Later

This new study compared performance on sensory processing measures completed as children and as adults for a follow-up group of adults who received Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy as children. The researchers found that overall, children with known challenges processing and integrating sensation who received ASI services as children presented with improved ability to integrate sensory information and participate in daily activities as adults.

Occupational Therapists’ Role in Educating Caregivers on Pediatric Sensory Interventions Guided by Neurodiversity Principles

This student project created and evaluated self-paced educational modules to teach neurodiversity-affirming sensory interventions that promote children's self-regulation. The researcher emphasised the importance of considering the child’s well-being first and foremost and incorporating caregivers into treatment and goal planning.

Tactile Sensory Processing as a Precursor of Executive Attention: Toward Early Detection of Attention Impairments and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

This study investigated the link between tactile sensory processing and executive function (EF). The researchers found that differences in tactile sensory processing at an early age could be indicative of EF dysfunctions, which may promote new early screening programs for attention disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Consensus Recommendations on Altered Sensory Functioning in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

This recent study investigated sensory processing differences in individuals with SHANK3-related Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). The researchers found the following sensory processing differences in this population: a reduced pain-response; a distinct sensory profile with more hypo-reactivity symptoms particularly in the auditory domain; a general hypersensitivity to touch; and a tendency to overheat easily.

Sensory Over-responsivity: A Feature of Childhood Psychiatric Illness Associated With Altered Functional Connectivity of Sensory Networks

This study investigated sensory processing differences, particularly sensory over-responsivity (SOR), in children with elevated levels of psychiatric symptoms. The researchers found that SOR was associated with greater concurrent symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in this population.

Toward Neurodiversity: How Conversation Analysis Can Contribute to a New Approach to Social Communication Assessment

This recent study investigated the use of conversation analysis (CA) as a method for assessing social communication in autistic individuals that is neurodiversity affirming. The researchers found that CA offers a relational understanding of autistic communication and sociality that is neurodiversity affirming.

Diversity in Autistic Play: Autistic Adults' Experiences

This new study, which used a neurodiversity-informed approach, investigated the experiences and perspectives of autistic adults concerning the topic of autistic play. The study highlights the importance of professionals, researchers and other stakeholders to become more understanding, accepting, and supportive of the various play preferences and experiences of autistic individuals, and to avoid using deficit-focused language and mindsets in relation to autistic play.

‘Autism Is a Way of Being’: An ‘Insider Perspective’ on Neurodiversity, Music Therapy and Social Justice

This paper written by an Autistic Music Therapist discusses the concept of neurodiversity, music therapy research concerning neurodiversity, and the re-framing of autistic characteristics within the concept of autistic culture. The author highlights the importance of keeping up to date with terminology and concepts in order to ensure therapists are offering the most effective and relevant therapy to neurodivergent clients, in line with other emerging types of Neurodiversity-Affirmative Therapy.

Moving from Disorder to Difference: A Systematic Review of Recent Language Use in Autism Research

This new systematic review examined language use in recent autism literature. The research emphasises the importance of alternative neuro-affirming language (ANL) and recommends that researchers, publishers and practitioners should consider the potential for their language use to impact the individual and societal views of autistic individuals.

Identifying Associations Between Sensory Processing and Food Sensitivities

This recent study investigated the relationship between sensory processing differences and food sensitivities. The researchers found that along with tactile processing, body awareness also showed an association with food sensitivities. They recommend that proprioceptive processing must also be considered when addressing feeding difficulties in children.

The Vagal Paradox: A Polyvagal Solution

This new paper by Dr. Stephen Porges discusses the scientific foundation for the testing of hypotheses generated by polyvagal theory.

Sensory Processing Deficits and Related Cortical Pathological Changes in Alzheimer's Disease

This new literature review researched the sensory deficits and cortical pathological changes observed in visual, auditory, olfactory, and somatosensory systems in individuals with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The researchers found that sensory processing differences and the progression of AD may establish a cyclical relationship that mutually perpetuates each other.

Co-Occurring Physical Health Challenges in Neurodivergent Children and Young People: A Topical Review and Recommendation

This recent literature review investigated the impact of physical health concerns within neurodivergent children and young people (CYP) in the educational setting. The researchers found that there is a high occurrence of hypermobility and pain-related conditions/symptoms amongst neurodivergent CYP and concluded that clear, greater support must be in place for neurodivergent CYP who are either diagnosed with, or suspected to have, physical health conditions.

A Working Taxonomy for Describing the Sensory Differences of Autism

This recent paper discusses the inconsistent and interchangeable terminology use when describing the sensory differences of autism. The researchers emphasise the need for consistency across disciplines and provided a solution by means of a taxonomy of sensory differences.