Date Presented 03/23/24
This qualitative study explores the experience of eleven adults and adolescents with sensory integration/processing differences through semi-structured interviews after completion of intervention. Implications relate to better targeted intervention.
Primary Author and Speaker: Dana Miller
Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarah A. Schoen, Carolyn M. Schmitt, Lisa M. Porter
PURPOSE: Many adolescents and adults experience sensory integration and processing differences, which reportedly negatively impacts their occupational performance and quality of life (May-Benson, et al., 2021; AOTA, 2017). Although there is a growing interest/awareness of sensory integration and processing differences in adults, there is a lack of research investigating client experiences regarding a) what components of intervention were helpful, b) what changes do they report in daily life, and c) what follow-up needs do they identify.
DESIGN: This qualitative study, analyzed retrospective data from eleven adults and adolescents with sensory integration and processing challenges who participated in a semi-structured interview after the completion of an occupational therapy intervention.
METHOD: Content and discourse analyses were utilized to analyze client responses to the eight open-ended questions asked during the interview. Researchers utilized an inductive approach to analyze data beginning with open codes derived directly from the data, transitioning to axial coding, and then grouped into themes (Merriam & Tisdell, 2015). To ensure credibility, interviews were simultaneously entered into ATLAS TI.
RESULTS: Open codes were grouped into three core categories: a) therapist related factors (what the therapist provided in intervention), b) client-related factors (what supported client changes) and c) what follow-up needs clients reported. From these categories, four main themes emerged from the data: a) therapeutic alliance, b) education and knowledge c) strategies, tools and resources, and d) need for follow up.
CONCLUSION: This study is a first step to understanding what components of adult and adolescent intervention programs are meaningful and what needs remain after participation in an intensive short-term program. Building knowledge of individuals’ experiences will give therapists better tools for designing effective and appropriate interventions.
References
American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA]. (2017). Occupational therapy using a sensory integration-based approach with adult populations [Fact sheet]. https://www.aota.org/∼/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/PA/Facts/SI-and-Adults-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley & Sons.
May-Benson, T. A., Teasdale, A., & Easterbrooks-Dick, O. (2021) What’s the prognosis? Longitudinal follow-up of children with sensory processing challenges 8-32 years later. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, (75)2, 7512520376p1. doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.75S2-RP376
