Sensory Integration and Activities That Promote Sensory Integration in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

The aim of this review was to systematically identify, analyze, and summarize research involving interventions based on sensory integration and activities that promote sensory integration in children with ASD. Based on the selection criteria ten out of thirty studies were selected and described in terms of: a) participant characteristics, b) assessments used in the studies, c) intervention procedures, d) study goals, e) intervention outcomes and whether or not there was improvement in behavior or clinical conditions. The results of the analyzed studies indicate a remarkable heterogeneity profile of sensory function in children with ASD, which affect the applicability of different forms of treatment. Based on the results of these studies, we can conclude that treatments based on SI theory can reduce stereotypical, aggressive, auto-aggressive, irritable, and hyperactive behavior, as well as improve self-regulation of behavior.