Theoretical Foundations of Sensory Integration

Abstract

Sensory integration patterns in autism spectrum disorders: a link to understanding occupational performance difficulties Increased awareness of sensory integration and praxis difficulties in autism creates an increased de- mand for occupational therapy services. This retrospective study analyzed occupational therapy as- sessment data from 141 children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) between the ages 4.0 and 12.0 years that included the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (n=89); the Sensory Processing Mea- sure – Home questionnaire (n=48), and the Sensory Processing Measure-Main Classroom questionnaire (n=25). Assessment results in this sample were compared to typically developing children (n=20) and children referred for learning and behavior difficulties (n=60). Patterns of irregular sensory responsi- veness and deficits in tactile discrimination, vestibular-proprioceptive processing, postural and motor skills and praxis emerged in the ASD population and correlated highly with social participation deficits. Occupational therapists specializing Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) have the expertise to provide assessment and intervention for these difficulties, including early identification of these sensory, motor and praxis issues