Brief Report  |   July 2014
Association Between Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome and Sensory Processing Disorder
Mary R. Pollock; Alexia E. Metz; Theresa Barabash
Author Affiliations
  • Mary R. Pollock, OTD, CLT, OTR/L, is Pediatric Therapist, Wood County Hospital, Toledo, OH
  • Alexia E. Metz, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft, MS 119, Toledo, OH 43606; alexia.metz@utoledo.edu
  • Theresa Barabash, MSN, APRN–BC, was Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Urology, Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo, OH, at the time of the study
Article Information
Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Sensory Integration and Processing / Departments / Brief Report
Brief Report   |   July 2014
Association Between Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome and Sensory Processing Disorder
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July/August 2014, Vol. 68, 472-477. doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.011411
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July/August 2014, Vol. 68, 472-477. doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.011411
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We explored whether sensory processing disorder (SPD) is related to dysfunctional elimination syndrome (DES).

METHOD. We used the Vancouver Nonneurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome Questionnaire and the Short Sensory Profile with participants who sought treatment of DES (n = 19) and healthy control participants (n = 55).

RESULTS. Significantly more children with DES (53%) had SPD than was reported for the general population (p < .001; Ahn, Miller, Milberger, & McIntosh, 2004). Control participants did not have a greater rate of SPD (p = .333). We found a significant association between the occurrence of DES and SPD, χ2(1) = 20.869, p < .001, and a significant correlation between test scores (Spearman’s ρ = −.493, Rs2 = .243, p < .001).

CONCLUSION. Many children with DES may also have SPD, suggesting that a child’s sensory processing pattern would be an important aspect that could influence the plan of care.