Research Article
Issue Date: May/June 2019
Published Online: May 08, 2019
Updated: April 30, 2020
Sensory Integration Concerns in Children With Functional Defecation Disorders: A Scoping Review
Isabelle Beaudry-Bellefeuille; Shelly J. Lane; Alison E. Lane
Author Affiliations
  • Isabelle Beaudry-Bellefeuille, MSc, is PhD Candidate, Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, and Private Practitioner, Oviedo, Spain; ibbergo@gmail.com
  • Shelly J. Lane, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor and Discipline Lead, Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Alison E. Lane, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Article Information
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Sensory Integration and Processing / Research Articles
Research Article   |   May 08, 2019
Sensory Integration Concerns in Children With Functional Defecation Disorders: A Scoping Review
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 5 2019, Vol. 73, 7303205050. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.030387
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 5 2019, Vol. 73, 7303205050. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.030387
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We examined the literature to identify reports of sensory integration concerns in children with functional defecation issues and to explore whether difficulty processing sensation may be related to their challenging bowel management behaviors.

METHOD. A scoping review was used to address the research question. We sourced articles from six databases in three languages, searched reference lists of all included articles, and identified additional articles through discussion with experts in the field.

RESULTS. Twelve articles were included in the final synthesis, identifying 15 challenging behaviors potentially related to sensory integration concerns.

CONCLUSION. We summarize research documenting sensory integration concerns in children with functional defecation issues, providing researchers and clinicians with an overview of the current state of understanding.