For many students with sensory processing disorder, it is of utmost importance to determine how to help students develop sensory strategies that work to function more efficiently at school. Of course, there are some students who are not able to express their needs and observational skills and data collection are critical. Regardless, all students should […]
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities published a brief report on weighted lap pad use and engagement in class for a kindergarten student with autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of the study was to determine if a weighted lap pad intervention or an evidence-based practice of a structured work box intervention would result in […]
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy recently published a research review on sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications for children with sensory integration difficulties. The study reviewed 11,436 articles published between January 2007 and May 2015 to find research that reflected high levels of evidence, participants demonstrated sensory integration difficulties, and outcome measures addressed function or […]
Sensory Processing at Home Versus School in Children with ASD Do you find that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience higher levels of sensory dysfunction at home or school? Recent research investigated sensory processing at home versus school in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Each of the participants (41 children with ASD and 38 […]
10 Essential Elements of an Effective Sensory Integration Session There are many factors that are part of an effective sensory integration session. To start off with you need a qualified, experienced pediatric occupational or physical therapist to provide a comprehensive evaluation. The physical environment should be set up with the proper equipment if needed. Communication […]
Sensory Integration Therapy and Occupational Performance in Children with Autism OTJR: Occupation, Participation, and Health published research investigating sensory integration therapy and occupational performance in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Thirty-one, 3-8 year old children, with ASD participated in the study with 16 receiving sensory integration therapy and 15 placed in a control group. Each child […]
Sensory Processing and Pretend Play The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on sensory processing and pretend play in 42 typically developing children ages 5-7 years old. Each child was assessed with the Child Initiated Pretend Play Assessment and the Home and Main Classroom forms of the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM). The results of the […]
10 Ideas for Oral Sensory Seekers in the Classroom Do you see students chewing the tops off of pencils, mouthing their fingers, chewing their t-shirt or making excessive mouth noises? Maybe these oral habits increase during stressful times in the classroom. Some children seek oral input to help with self regulation and attention span. Providing […]
Finger Fidget or Finger Warm Up Exercises Here is a super simple and super cheap do-it-yourself project to make finger fidgets. These bead finger fidgets can be used to occupy busy hands for wiggly students or to warm up the fingers before fine motor or handwriting activities. Obviously, do not use these with young children […]
The British Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on children with developmental coordination disorder and sensory difficulties to examine the co-occurrence of developmental coordination disorders and sensory processing and integration difficulties. Data was collected by reviewing the records of 93 children who were diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (ages 5-12) and who were evaluated with […]