An Evaluation Study of Sensory Motor Therapy for Profoundly Retarded Adults

Abstract

An Occupational Therapy program based on the Sensory Integrative approach was conducted with 6 profoundly retarded adult clients in a facility for the mentally retarded, Results indicated that significant gains were demonstrated by clients in the special program group in the areas of visual tracking and focusing (P ≤.05). balance, protective and righting reflexes (P ≤.01), body awareness (P≤.05). fine motor and formative concepts (P≤.05), acceptance of vestibular stimulation (P≤.05) and in social interaction (P≤.05). Results for the control group, who were not involved in any alternative program showed no significant gains in any of these areas. This approach to programming is particularly useful as it enables the therapist to structure the initial program at a very low functional level and to maintain the activity demands at the appropriate level for each client, accomodating for day to day fluctuation in his/her coping abilties.