Occupational Therapy Improved Everyday Tasks in Children with Autism

The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published research on the effects of occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach or behavioral therapy on the ability to complete everyday tasks in children with autism.  In a randomized study, 32 children (ages 4-8), were assigned to an OT-SI group (occupational therapy sensory integration group) or a standard care group (behavioral therapy).  The OT-SI group received intervention for 3 hours per week for 10 weeks.  Following the interventions, investigators were blinded and assessed the children.

The results indicated the following:

• children in the OT-SI group scored significantly higher on Goal Attainments Scales then the standard care group
• children in the OT-SI group scored signficantly higher on measures of caregiver assistance in self care and socialization than the standard care group.

References:
Roseann C. Schaaf, Teal Benevides, Zoe Mailloux, Patricia Faller, Joanne Hunt, Elke Hooydonk, Regina Freeman, Benjamin Leiby, Jocelyn Sendecki, Donna Kelly. An Intervention for Sensory Difficulties in Children with Autism: A Randomized Trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2013; DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-1983-8

Thomas Jefferson University (2013, November 25). Making sense of sensation in autism. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 26, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2013/11/131125101011.htm