Research Article  |   August 2016
Effectiveness of a Sensory-Enriched Early Intervention Group Program for Children With Developmental Disabilities
Erna Imperatore Blanche; Megan C. Chang; Juliana Gutiérrez; Janet S. Gunter
Author Affiliations
  • Erna Imperatore Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy, Mrs. T. H. Chang Division of Occupational Science and Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
  • Megan C. Chang, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA; Megan.Chang@sjsu.edu
  • Juliana Gutiérrez, MA, OTR/L, SWC, C/NDT, is Occupational Therapist, Therapy West, Inc., Los Angeles, CA
  • Janet S. Gunter, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Therapy West, Inc., Los Angeles, CA
Article Information
Early Intervention / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Sensory Integration and Processing / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   August 2016
Effectiveness of a Sensory-Enriched Early Intervention Group Program for Children With Developmental Disabilities
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2016, Vol. 70, 7005220010p1-7005220010p8. doi:10.5014/ajot.2016.018481
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2016, Vol. 70, 7005220010p1-7005220010p8. doi:10.5014/ajot.2016.018481
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The study’s objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Interdisciplinary Sensory-Enriched Early Intervention (ISEEI) group program for children with developmental delays.

METHOD. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 63 children ages 18–36 mo who participated in ISEEI. We evaluated participants with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III (Bayley–III) and the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP) at enrollment and after 3–9 mo. We conducted a paired t test to examine changes in the Bayley–III between pre- and posttests.

RESULTS. At enrollment, 70% of children presented atypical scores in two or more areas of sensory processing in the ITSP. Results revealed that children with sensory processing difficulties demonstrated significant improvement in all areas of development except fine motor skills; children without sensory processing difficulties showed significant improvement in language and cognition.

CONCLUSION. The ISEEI group program is an effective method to ameliorate developmental delays.