Research: Occupational Therapy Using a Sensory Integrative Approach for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Authored by Schaaf, RC, and Miller LJ in Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev., Volume 11, Issue , p. 143-148, (2005).

Article summary (posted Sep 25, 2006):

This article provides an overview of sensory integration therapy as it is used by occupational therapists. It also describes the numerous limitations in the research on sensory integration therapy.

The goal of sensory integration therapy is to improve the childâ??s ability to process sensory information, thereby providing a basis for improved independence. During sensory integration therapy, the occupational therapist encourages the child to engage in movement that also requires that the child use his sense of balance and also touch a variety of different types of materials. In this way the occupational therapist guides the child through challenging and fun activities that are designed to stimulate and integrate sensory systems. All of this occurs in a therapeutic environment that taps into the childâ??s drive to play.

Links:

You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF").
balance, developmental disabilities, environment, independence, movement, occupational therapy (OT), play, sensory information, sensory integration, therapist, therapy, touch
Share |