Occupational Therapy Using a Sensory Integrative Approach: A Case Study of Effectiveness

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE. This article presents a case report of a child with poor sensory processing and describes the disorder’s impact on the child’s occupational behavior and the changes in occupational performance during 10 months of occupational therapy using a sensory integrative approach (OT-SI). METHOD. Retrospective chart review of assessment data and analysis of parent interview data are reviewed. Progress toward goals and objectives is measured using goal attainment scaling. Themes from parent interview regarding past and present occupational challenges are presented. RESULTS. Notable improvements in occupational performance are noted on goal attainment scales, and these are consistent with improvements in behavior. Parent interview data indicate noteworthy progress in the child’s ability to participate in home, school, and family activities. CONCLUSION. This case report demonstrates a model for OT-SI. The findings support the theoretical underpinnings of sensory integration theory: that improvement in the ability to process and integrate sensory input will influence adaptive behavior and occupational performance. Although these findings cannot be generalized, they provide preliminary evidence supporting the theory and the effectiveness of this approach.