Sensory Integration Education

Each month we take a look at the latest SI research and research of topical interest - this month, we have a focus on sensory integration and autism.

Time to Change How We Measure Quality of Life and Well-Being in Autism: A Systematic Review

This new systematic review investigated the reporting of quality of life in autistic individuals. The researchers found that the quality of life and/or well-being in autistic people is primarily reported using measures developed for non-autistic populations and that there was limited representation of individuals with additional needs. They recommend that future research must require involving autistic individuals in the research and using methods that engage and support autistic individuals to share their view.

Designing Sensory Adaptive Environments to Enhance Participation in Healthcare for Autistic Children

This new qualitative study sought the opinions of parents of autistic children to design sensory adaptive environments to enhance participation in healthcare for autistic children. The researchers identified barriers related to the environment, medical procedures, sensory needs and timing. The study also makes recommendations for meeting sensory needs in the environment.

The Connection Between Sleep Problems and Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Autistic Children: A Network Analysis

This new study investigated the association between sleep and emotional and behavioural difficulties in children with ASD. The researchers found that difficulties with sleeping showed a correlation with anxiety and depression in this population indicating that addressing sleep difficulties is an important area to address.

“I Do My Best to Do Right by Her”: Autistic Motherhood and the Experience of Raising a Non-autistic Adolescent Daughter

This new qualitative study investigated the experiences of autistic mothers in raising non-autistic daughters. One of the key findings was that whilst mothers in the study expressed concern that their social challenges may have impacted their daughters’ social development, they were also proactive in ensuring that their daughters had opportunities for positive social interactions.

Everyday Executive Function Issues from the Perspectives of Autistic Adolescents and Their Parents: Theoretical and Empirical Implications

This recent study investigated challenges with executive function from the perspectives of autistic adolescents and their parents. Study participants discussed how their executive skills were influenced by the context in which they were doing the task, their level of anxiety, the clarity of the task instructions and their motivation/interest in the task. This is an important consideration for educators, healthcare professionals and others working with autistic individuals.

Sensory Processing in Children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome

This recent study investigated sensory processing differences in children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). The researchers found that study participants with PANS presented with atypical sensory reactivity, including a significant deterioration in function during PANS exacerbations.

Autism-Linked Traits and Creativity: Empathy and Sensory Sensitivities in Children Predict Creative Activities and Openness

This new study investigated creativity in autistic individuals and how this is influenced by sensory sensitivities. The researchers found some evidence to suggest that hyper and hypo sensitivities or over or under-responsiveness may predict different creative abilities.

Evidence of Vestibular and Balance Dysfunction in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

This recent study investigated vestibular sensory processing in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimers disease. Compared to a control group with no known sign of cognitive decline, participants with cognitive decline presented with vestibular and balance deficits.

Clinical Correlates and Prevalence of Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

This new study investigated food selectivity in autistic children. A key finding that impacted on families was the correlation between food selectivity and disruptive mealtime behaviours.

Sensorimotor Features and Daily Living Skills in Autistic Children With and Without ADHD

This new study investigated group and individual differences in motor skills, sensory features, and daily living skills in autistic children with and without ADHD. The researchers found that that autism and ADHD features separately and uniquely contribute to sensory processing differences which included increased sensory seeking and hyperresponsiveness in autistic children which impacted participation in daily activities.

Stability of Neurodevelopmental Trajectories in Moderately Late and Early Preterm Children Born 15 Years Apart

This new study investigated and compared neurodevelopmental trajectories in two Dutch cohorts of early and moderately late preterm infants born 15 years apart. The researchers found that there was little change in the neurodevelopmental trajectories during ages 0–4 years of early and moderately late preterm-born children over a 15-year period, which indicates the need for knowledge on risk selection to better diagnose which infants need interventions, as well as further research on interventions to improve the neurodevelopment for this group of children.

An Investigation of Sensory Processing Skills in Toddlers with Joint Hypermobility

This new cross-sectional study investigated sensory processing differences in infants with General Joint Hypermobility. The researchers found that participants with hypermobility presented with differences in tactile and proprioceptive sensory processing and recommended further research in this area to support individuals with hypermobility.

Individual Differences in Environmental Sensitivity: Associations Between Cognitive Emotion Regulation and Mental Health

This new study investigated the association between emotional regulation and mental health in highly (emotional) sensitive individuals. The researchers found a positive and relatively large correlation between sensitivity and catastrophizing which impacted on participants' mental health.