The Effects and Benefits of Sensory

For children with autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), sensory integration dysfunction can greatly affect their potential to learn and behavior in the school environment. Some of the inappropriate behaviors a child with autism may display in school include, but are not limited to, fine and gross motor developmental problems, academic problems, fear and anxiety in unfamiliar settings, stereotyped repetitive behaviors (verbal and non-verbal), and the need for routine/structure. Other sensory related problems include increased sensitivity to certain sounds, smells, tastes and touch. As the prevalence of autism continues to rise, it is important for teachers, staff, and parents to utilize techniques which improve the quality of students' daily functioning. Although the research is still growing in this field, several studies confirm the effectiveness of therapy based on sensory integration theory. The purpose of this research is to examine sensory integration theory and autism in a literature review. Furthermore, a single-subject study is proposed which could measure the effectiveness of instituting a "sensory diet" into the existing treatment plan of a child with autism or PDD. The Graduate School University of Wisconsin Stout Menomonie, WI Acknowledgments I would personally like to thank my instructors and professors who have challenged me this past year and a half to be the best I can and who have helped me realize I can push myself and be successful. I would especially like to acknowledge my thesis advisor Kelly Lamon who has been such a mentor to me and helped me so much through this process, whom I couldn't have even started out on the right path without her constant guidance involvement. I would also like to thank my fellow classmates for allowing me to be myself and being there for me and one another when we were struggling. I couldn't have asked for a stronger group of people to be at my side. Lastly, I want to give a special thanks to my husband and family who are there as an unconditional support system. I couldn't have gotten this far without them. Thank you to everyone. TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................. Page . . ................................................................................................... ABSTRACT ii ................................................................................... Chapter I: Introduction ....I Rationale ............................................................................................... 1 Purpose ofthe Study and Research Question ...................................................................... 2 ................................................................................... Definition of Terms -3 ................................................................................... Limitations of Study 4 .......................................................................................... Methodology 4 ................................................................................. Chapter 11: Literature Review 6 Sensory Integration Theory Review of Sensory Integration Theory and Intervention ............................... 6 ................................................... History and Development of SI Theory 8 Research on Sensory Integration and Efficacy oflnterventions ........................ 8 Boundaries ofthe Theory and Current View ofSI Theory ........................... 10 A ut ism ............................................................ Characteristics and Diagnosis 11 Etiology ...................................................................................... 13 Prevalence .................................................................................. -14 .................................................................................. Intervention 15 Chapter 111: Methodology .................................................................................. -18 Subject ............................................................................................... -18 ............................................................ Research Design and Data Collection 19 Data Analysis ........................................................................................ 21 ............................................................................................. Summary 2 1 ..................................................................................................... References -22 ................................. Appendix A: Memo to TeachersIStaff for Nominations of Subjects 24 ..................................................................... Appendix B: Teacher Interview Form 25 ........................................................... Appendix C: Sample Interval Recording Form 26 ............................................................ Appendix D: Graph template of ABAB data 27 Chapter I: Introduction