title: Effectiveness of sensory integration interventions in children with autism spectrum disorders: a pilot study.
abstract: The purpose of this pilot study was to establish a model for randomized controlled trial research, identify appropriate outcome measures, and address the effectiveness of sensory integration (SI) interventions in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Children ages 6-12 with ASD were randomly assigned to a fine motor or SI treatment group. Pretests and posttests measured social responsiveness, sensory processing, functional motor skills, and social-emotional factors. Results identified significant positive changes in Goal Attainment Scaling scores for both groups; more significant changes occurred in the SI group, and a significant decrease in autistic mannerisms occurred in the SI group. No other results were significant. The study discusses considerations for designing future outcome studies for children with ASD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Temple University, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA. bpfeiff@temple.edu
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Pfeiffer
authors.forename: Kristie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koenig
authors.forename: Moya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kinnealey
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sheppard
authors.forename: Lorrie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Henderson
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation