Date Presented 03/22/24
Children with developmental conditions often struggle with self-regulation, which affects their participation in daily occupations. We will discuss the results of a systematic review of play-based sensory interventions to improve self-regulation.
Primary Author and Speaker: Margaret Meeks
Contributing Authors: Jewel Elias Crasta, Emily Sheridan
PURPOSE: Children on the autism spectrum and with other developmental conditions often show sensory processing and self-regulation challenges, which can impact participation in daily occupations. Play-based sensory interventions have shown potential to aid such children in regulating their responses and actively engaging with their surroundings. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of play-based sensory interventions in enhancing self-regulation skills among children with developmental conditions.
METHOD: Three databases (CINAHL, ERIC, and PsychINFO) were searched for play-based sensory intervention studies with children ages 0-6 years published in English between 2013-2023 using PRISMA guidelines. Results were synthesized using evidence appraisal and the GRADE process.
RESULTS: Of 1,052 articles initially screened, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Study interventions included: dance/movement (4), social stories (2), yoga (2), music (2), and games/play (2). The studies defined play-based sensory therapies as 15-30 minute small group school-based interventions characterized by child-directed play with adult support. Overall, the quality of evidence was rated as low; the strength of recommendation was Weak + based on risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision. Evidence for the efficacy of play-based sensory interventions is limited by a lack of rigorous trials, outcome measure variability, and small sample sizes.
CONCLUSION: Results suggest that play-based sensory interventions may improve self-regulation skills in children aged 0-6 years on the autism spectrum and with other developmental conditions. Future research should address gaps in the existing literature and further evaluate the impact of play-based sensory interventions on this population.
IMPACT: Occupational therapy practitioners should consider current evidence and active ingredients of play-based sensory interventions to target self-regulation as described in this review.
References
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