Abstract
Scores from the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions (SP3D) Assessment were used to examine sensory modulation, discrimination, praxis, and postural functions, along with associated occupational performance problems in a sample of adults with and without sensory processing challenges.
Primary Author and Speaker: Shelley Mulligan
Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarah A. Schoen
This study examined the performance of adults with and without known sensory processing deficits on a new performance-based measure of sensory processing, the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions Assessment (SP3D) and its supplemental occupational performance scale (SP3D-OPS). A non-experimental, mixed research design was used. The SP3D was administered by trained occupational therapists to neurotypical adults from 18- 65 years of age who self -identified as not having any medical condition affecting their sensorimotor or cognitive abilities (N=167). Adults for the clinical sample identified as having sensory differences by a previous assessment or had a diagnosis often associated with sensory deficits (N=21). The SP3D assesses sensory modulation (over-responsivity, under-responsivity, sensory craving) and sensory discrimination within the visual, tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular and auditory systems; and sensory-based motor abilities including postural functions and praxis.1-3 The SP3D-OPS assesses perceptions of competency in 17 daily activities within 5 occupational areas: Relationships, Self-care, Instrumental ADLs, Work/Community and Leisure. Independent t-tests showed the neurotypical group out-performed the clinical group based on all composite domain scores (p values .009 to <.001) except the Tactile Domain (p=.35). Atypical Modulation and Motor Behaviors were more often observed in the Clinical Group, and significant correlations revealed relations between types of sensory processing deficits. High priorities for desired change identified by the SP3D-OPS included Managing Emotions and Expressing Self (64.7%), and Use of Free Time (52.9%). The SP3D is a promising tool for measuring the sensory processing abilities and challenges of adults and scores provide insights regarding patterns of sensory processing in adults. Occupational areas often disrupted in adults with sensory processing challenges were identified indicating possible areas for intervention.
Schoen, S. A., Miller, L. J., & Mulligan, S. (2021). Validity of the occupational performance scale of the Sensory Processing Three Dimensions Measure. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75, 7502205090. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.044248
Mulligan, S. Schoen, S., Miller, L. J., Valdez, A., & Magalhaes, D. (2019). The Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale: Initial studies of reliability and item analyses. Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 7(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1505
Mulligan, S., Schoen, S., Miller, L. Valdez, A. Wiggins, A., Hartford, B. & Rixon, A. (2019). Initial studies of validity of the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale, Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 39(1), 94-106. On-line, https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2018.1434717