Specific Sensory Techniques and Sensory Environmental Modifications for Children and Youth With Sensory Integration Difficulties: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review examined the effectiveness of specific sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications to improve participation of children with sensory integration (SI) difficulties. Abstracts of 11,436 articles published between January 2007 and May 2015 were examined. Studies were included if designs reflected high levels of evidence, participants demonstrated SI difficulties, and outcome measures addressed function or participation. Eight studies met inclusion criteria. Seven studies evaluated effects of specific sensory techniques for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Qigong massage, weighted vests, slow swinging, and incorporation of multisensory activities into preschool routines. One study of sensory environmental modifications examined adaptations to a dental clinic for children with ASD. Strong evidence supported Qigong massage, moderate evidence supported sensory modifications to the dental care environment, and limited evidence supported weighted vests. The evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions regarding slow linear swinging and incorporation of multisensory activities into preschool settings.

Impact of sensory adapted dental environment on children with developmental disabilities

“…Our findings on improved behavior under SADE are consistent with the previous studies presented by Shapiro et al and Cermak et al . A recent systematic review of specific sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications for children with sensory integration difficulties concluded that there is moderate evidence supporting the use of SADE …”

“…Our findings on improved behavior under SADE are consistent with the previous studies presented by Shapiro et al and Cermak et al [22][23][24] A recent systematic review of specific sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications for children with sensory integration difficulties concluded that there is moderate evidence supporting the use of SADE. 29 The difference in the physiological outcomes of the children with DD undergoing SADE or RDE was inconclusive. The participants' heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded in the beginning and at the end of each visit to collect objective data reflecting on their physiological distress during a dental appointment.…”

Diverse Autonomic Nervous System Stress Response Patterns in Childhood Sensory Modulation

“…Finally, automatic and deliberate processes from dual-tiered models inform effective treatment planning by supporting the alignment of treatment approaches across distributed systems. Integrating awareness of arousal regulation with sensorimotor-based treatments are necessary, including a promising trend towards decreasing EDA magnitude (e.g., Miller et al, 2007;Bodison and Parham, 2018;Foitzik and Brown, 2018). Sensorimotor-focused treatment strategies can impact a variety of distributed properties and benefit from being coupled with socio-emotional and play-based relational approaches (Greenspan et al, 1998;Bundy et al, 2008;Lillas et al, 2018;Pfeiffer et al, 2018;Roberts et al, 2018;Schaaf et al, 2018;Delahooke, 2019;Porges et al, 2019).…”

Impact of Family-Centered Early Intervention in Infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single-Subject Design

“…The environmental modifications applied in this study were teaching changes in household structure and providing and using applicable sensory tools. The most common method to modify the environment was video media restrictions, reducing unnecessary visual and auditory stimuli, providing individual space, and vestibular and proprioceptive stimuli [23].…”