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Research Article  |   September 2007
Behavioral Indexes of the Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy
Jane E. Roberts; Linda King-Thomas; Marcia L. Boccia
Author Affiliations
  • Jane E. Roberts, PhD, is Scientist, FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mailing address: 517 South Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC 27510; jane_roberts@unc.edu
  • Linda King-Thomas, MHS, is Director, Developmental Therapy Associates, Inc., Durham, NC
  • Maria L. Boccia, PhD, is Scientist, FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Article Information
Complementary/Alternative Approaches / Sensory Integration and Processing / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   September 2007
Behavioral Indexes of the Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2007, Vol. 61, 555-562. doi:10.5014/ajot.61.5.555
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2007, Vol. 61, 555-562. doi:10.5014/ajot.61.5.555
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The study examined behavioral treatment effects of classical sensory integration therapy.

METHOD. This study used a prospective longitudinal, single-subject ABAB design. The participant was a boy, age 3 years and 5 months, with average nonverbal intellectual skills, delayed communication skills, and sensory modulation disorder. Difficulties with modulating sensory input and delayed communication skills affected his occupational performance in preschool. Behavioral data were collected in the preschool by teachers who were blind to the type and timing of sensory integration therapy.

RESULTS. Improvement in behavior regulation was observed, including increased engagement and decreased aggression, less need for intense teacher direction, and decreased mouthing of objects.

CONCLUSION. Classical sensory integration therapy may be associated with improved self-regulatory behaviors.