Autism Research Highlights Sensory Integration as Effective Intervention

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Jaen in Jaen, Spain have conducted a systematic review of 16 studies on the use of sensory integration as a treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The review, which spanned from 2013 to 2023, found that intervention with sensory integration in infants with ASD meets the criteria to be considered an evidence-based practice. The studies focused mainly on clinical settings, but the researchers emphasize the need for further research to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory integration interventions in naturalistic settings such as homes and schools.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence of ASD diagnosis has been increasing globally, necessitating updates to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders with respect to ASD diagnosis.
  • Sensory processing disorder is recognized as related to ASD, and sensory integration is considered a suitable intervention for treating children diagnosed with ASD.
  • The systematic review included 16 articles from academic search engines Pubmed, Scielo, Eric, Dialnet, Springer, Base Search, and Google Scholar.
  • Intervention with sensory integration in infants with ASD meets the criteria to be considered an evidence-based practice.
  • Clinical settings are the primary focus of the studies reviewed, highlighting the need for further research in naturalistic settings.
  • Sensory integration interventions have shown positive effects on the daily lives of children with ASD.

Statistics:

  • 16 articles were included in the systematic review from 2013 to 2023.
  • The review focused on clinical settings, with a need for further research in naturalistic settings such as homes and schools.
  • The studies involved children with ASD, with a focus on the effectiveness of sensory integration interventions.

Sources:

  • A Systematic Review of Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Approach. Children, 2024,11(10).
  • Children: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/children.
  • ORCID information: Maria Auxiliadora Robles-Bello (orcid.org/0000-0002-4979-5399), Nieves Valencia-Naranjo (orcid.org/0000-0001-9839-4682).