Date Presented 04/03/2025
The study explores how autistic adults experienced sensory integration (SI) when they were young children. This study can inform the practice of OTs in SI and help cultivate an awareness of autistic adults’ perspectives on SI.
Primary Author and Speaker: Liza Abigail Copuyoc Khou
Contributing Authors: Jessica OS Rios, Amber M. Angell
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore how autistic adults experienced sensory integration therapy when they were young children. Although research on the efficacy of therapies such as Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI), is ongoing, there is a dearth of research on autistic people’s perceptions of this therapy. Although there is some evidence that autistic adults view occupational therapy generally in a favorable way, to date no studies have examined how autistic adults experienced SI therapy.
DESIGN: We utilized a qualitative design to interview three autistic adults who had SI therapy as children.
METHOD: We distributed recruitment flyers via social media. We used an email/phone screener to determine eligibility. Eligibility criteria included: Identify as autistic, 18 years or older, and received occupational therapy as a child that took place in a sensory gym with suspended equipment for at least 6 months. Each participant completed one interview by HIPAA-compliant Zoom in September 2024. Zoom transcripts were verified for accuracy. We used thematic analysis; each transcript was coded by two independent coders. We collapsed codes into themes.
RESULTS: We identified three themes. 1) Perceived Impact of SI Therapy Across the Lifespan, which included lifelong benefits related to self-regulation, motor skills, and self-efficacy. 2) Memories/Stories about SI, which were primarily positive memories about the therapy as well as the relationship with the OT. 3) Recommendations for SI and Occupational Therapists, which included availability of services beyond childhood.
CONCLUSION: This study responds to calls from autistic adults for research that investigates their experiences with autism-related services. Although more research with larger cohorts is needed, these preliminary findings with a small sample suggest that there may be positive impacts of sensory integration therapy into adulthood.
References
Sterman J, Gustafson E, Eisenmenger L, Hamm L, Edwards J. (2023). Autistic Adult Perspectives on Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children and Youth. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 43(2), 237–244. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492221103850
Santhanam, S. priya, & Hewitt, L. E. (2021). Perspectives of Adults With Autism on Social Communication Intervention. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 42(3), 156–165. https://doi-org.libproxy2.usc.edu/10.1177/1525740120905501
