Positive behavioral effect of sensory integration intervention in young children with autism spectrum disorder

• Published in: Pediatric research Vol. 93; no. 6; pp. 1667 - 1671
• Main Authors: Raditha, Citra, Handryastuti, Setyo, Pusponegoro, Hardiono D., Mangunatmadja, Irawan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Nature Publishing Group US 01.05.2023; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorder - therapy; Autistic children; Behavior; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Research Article; Clinical trials; Communication; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Occupational therapy; Pediatric Surgery; Pediatrics; Socialization
• ISSN: 0031-3998; 1530-0447; 1530-0447
• DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02277-4

Background Sensory integration occupational therapy (SI-OT) might be useful for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in younger age, according to Pusponegoro. Previous studies were still limited, especially in younger age. This study evaluated the effect of SI-OT in improving positive behaviors of ASD children aged 2–5 years. Methods Non-randomized controlled trial of SI-OT evaluation, assessed with Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II. Results A total of 72 subjects were studied. Following SI-OT, communication skills (expressive, receptive), socialization (coping skills), and daily living skills (personal, community) were improved significantly. Conclusions SI-OT with Ayres theory in 60 min, twice a week for 12 weeks improved positive behaviors. Impact To address the effectivity of sensory integration occupational therapy (SI-OT) in improving positive behaviors of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) children aged 2–5 years. The first study to evaluate evidence of SI-OT in ASD younger than 3 years. Non-randomized controlled trial of SI-OT evaluation of ASD in younger children aged 2–5 years with Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II. SI-OT of Ayres theory in 60 min, twice a week for 12 weeks improves communication domain (expressive, receptive, written) aged 2–4 years, and socialization domain (interpersonal relationship, play, and leisure time) aged 2 years of ASD children.