title: Effectiveness of therapy ball chairs on classroom participation in children with autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: A single-subject design was used to assess the effectiveness of therapy ball chairs on classroom participation in 6 boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The sensory processing pattern of each participant was assessed using the Sensory Processing Measure. Data on in-seat behavior and engagement were collected using digital video recordings during Circle Time. During baseline, participants sat on chairs. During intervention, participants sat on therapy ball chairs. Social validity was assessed by means of a questionnaire completed by the teacher. Each child demonstrated a unique response. The ball chair appeared to have a positive effect on in-seat behavior for the child who had the most extreme vestibular-proprioceptive-seeking behaviors. Children with poor postural stability were less engaged when sitting on the therapy ball chair. The results illuminate the complex nature of children with ASD and the importance of using sound clinical reasoning skills when recommending sensory strategies for the classroom.
authors.affiliation: Quinnipiac University, 275 Mount Carmel Avenue, EC-OCC, Hamden, CT 06518, USA. Nancy.Bagatell@quinnipiac.edu
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bagatell
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mirigliani
authors.forename: Chrissa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Yadira
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Reyes
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Test
mesh_terms: D032763:Behavior Control / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D011187:Posture; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000150:complications