Sensory Integration Education

Each month we take a look at the latest SI research and research of topical interests - this month, we have a focus on the importance of play:

An Investigation on the Effects of Block Play on the Creativity of Children

This study researched the effects of block  play on the creativity of young children. The researchers found that participants who engaged with block play presented with higher levels of creativity and that the activity improved their attention to detail.

Association of Time Outdoors and Patterns of Light Exposure with Myopia in Children

This recent study investigated the association between time spent outdoors, light exposure, and the incidence of myopia in children. The researchers found that children who participated in outdoor play and activities more frequently presented with lower levels of myopia than those who did not.

Ayres Sensory Integration® for Addressing Play in Autistic Children: A Multiple-Baseline Examination 

This recent study investigated Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) intervention on play types in autistic children aged 3-6 years. The researchers found that for all 3 participants, the frequency of play type changed over the course of intervention and in particular observed an increase in the frequency of intervals with manipulative play.

Reimagining Autistic Children’s Independent and Social Play with Peers

This new study explored autisitc children's independent play and social play with peers. The authors emphasised the importance of accepting autistic children's play choices, often preferring solitary play, rather than expecting them to conform to the norm. They stated: "Autistic children may feel a sense of self-worth and belonging by having their unique style of playing become visible and validated by both adults and peers."

What Really Matters in Play

This new study investigated aspects that really matter in play. Language emerged as an important factor, especially the use of language to intentionally create equitable and inclusive spaces for all children.

Now, Being, Occupational: Outdoor Play and Children with Autism

This qualitative study investigated autistic children's participation in outdoor play. Children in the study expressed a preference for outdoor play that provides them with opportunities for movement and sensory input such as running, jumping, swinging, climbing, and sliding. The findings demonstrate the importance of providing children with  play opportunities that meet their needs.

Impaired Biological Motion Processing and Motor Skills in Adults with Autistic Traits

This study investigated the relationship between biological motion processing, motor skills, and autistic traits within 621 adults aged 18-73 years. The researchers found that individuals with higher levels of autistic traits also presented with higher levels of motor difficulties.

This study demonstrates the need to support individuals with motor coordination difficulties across the lifespan, and the importance of leisure and physical 'play' for all ages.

To Play or Not to Play

This masters degree research project investigated the association between fundamental motor skills and motor planning, and participation in play. The researcher found that in this study that there was no direct association between fundamental motor skills and social participation or elaborate play actions and participation, but did identify associations between motor skills and pretend play as well as pretend play and parent-perceived ideation in play situations.

Associations Between the Movement Environment and Preschooler's Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Norwegian Preschools

This recent study investigated the relationship between the environment and children's physical movements and sedentary time in preschool. The researchers found that along with providing adequate outdoor and indoor play facilities, it is also important that educators have an understanding of the importance of play and physical movement.

Construct Validity of the Sensory Profile Interoception

This recent study investigated the concurrent and construct validity of the Sensory Profile Interoception (SPI). Researchers and test authors found strong evidence that the SPI is able identify participation patterns associated with both high and low interoception.

Interventions to Support Participation in Play for Autistic Children and Youth (Dates of Review: 2013–2021) 

This recent systematic review (which featured research from 2013-2021) investigated interventions to support participation in play for autistic children and youth. Some of the interventions which increased the frequency of play and supported play were parent coaching, video modelling, classroom-based interventions and  SI therapy.

Sensory Processing Patterns & Sleep Quality in Adults with Mental Health Diagnoses

This recent study investigated the association between sleep and sensory processing differences in adults with mental health diagnoses. The researchers found that study participants presented with sensory processing differences which impacted on their quality of sleep.

Improvement in Executive Function for Older Adults Through Smartphone Apps: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Language Learning and Brain Training

This randomized clinical trial (RCT) investigated the association between using smartphone apps to engage in language learning or brain training exercises and executive function in older adults. For two of the outcome measures used, the researchers found that both language learning with Duolingo and brain training with BrainHQ produced large gains in executive function after the intervention. However, it was found that the language learning did not make any significant changes to processing speed.

Child’s Play: Examining the Association Between Time Spent Playing and Child Mental Health

This study investigated the association between the time that children aged 5–11 years spent playing adventurously and their mental health. The researchers found that for study participants adventurous play was associated with lower internalising symptoms and more positive effect.

Prenatal Depressive Symptoms Are Associated with Altered Structural Brain Networks in Infants and Moderated by Infant Sleep

This new study looks at relationships between prenatal depressive symptoms, infant brain network structure, and infant sleep. As seen in earlier studies, the researchers identified an association between prenatal depression and infant brain networks. However, it was found that sleep could have a protective role for local connections in the limbic network for infants.

Risky Play and Children’s Well-Being, Involvement and Physical Activity

This study investigated how risky play – a fundamentally voluntary form of play – relates to children's well-being, involvement and physical activity. The researchers found a strong correlation between risky play and physical activity and concluded that engagement in risky play may promote children's health as a result.