Date Presented 04/04/2025
There are differing ideas on how best to treat sensory processing difficulties among young children. Data from a recent study suggest best-practice considerations in early intervention from the perspective of OTPs.
Primary Author and Speaker: Kelsey Wallace
Additional Authors and Speakers: Patricia A. Henton
PURPOSE: Sensory processing difficulties are commonly seen by occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) within the early intervention (EI) setting, however limited research exists on best practice. The study aimed to identify best practice recommendations.
DESIGN: A mixed-methods study examined the use of sensory processing assessments, interventions, and outcome measures utilized by OTPs in EI. The non-randomized purposive sample consisted of 62 OTPs currently working in EI within the continental United States. The study utilized a researcher-designed survey instrument that was reviewed by three experts in the field.
METHOD: Following IRB approval, researchers recruited participants via email and social media posts. An online survey instrument consisted of informed consent, demographic, closed-ended and open-ended questions. Researchers analyzed data through content analysis, descriptive statistics, and triangulated qualitative and quantitative data sets.
RESULTS: Of 62 participants, most OTPs reported using Dunn’s sensory processing framework (n = 49, 79.0%) and a combination of top-down and bottom up approaches (n = 43, 71.7%). The majority frequently addressed all sensory systems (59.2%) and patterns (61.2%), and identified three most common occupations addressed as (1) feeding, eating, and swallowing, (2) play, and (3) rest and sleep. Many OTPs used a variety of assessments and parent-report measures and received informal training in sensory processing. OTPs identified a need for functional, family-centered measures, interventions, training, and resources for EI.
CONCLUSION: Most OTPs identified themselves as using best practice to treat sensory processing, yet noted missing elements that impact administering best practice in EI. The study suggests a gap in knowledge and resources for treating sensory processing in EI, and future research should focus on developing user-friendly, functional, and family-centered tools and trainings.
References
Allen, S., Knott, F., Branson, A., Lane, S. (2021). Coaching parents of children with sensory integration difficulties: A scoping review. Occupational Therapy International, 2021, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6662724
Piccardi, E. S., & Gliga, T. (2022). Understanding sensory regulation in typical and atypical development: The case of sensory seeking. Developmental Review, 65, 101037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2022.101037
Bundy A, Lane SJ. (2020). Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice (3rd ed.). F. A. Davis Company.
