Evan Dean

The State of the Science on Sensory Factors and Their Impact on Daily Life for Children: A Scoping Review.

The objective of this study was to identify and synthesize research about how sensory factors affect daily life of children. We designed a conceptual model to guide a scoping review of research published from 2005 to October 2014 (10 years). We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO and included studies about sensory perception/processing; children, adolescents/young adults; and participation. We excluded studies about animals, adults, and review articles. Our process resulted in 261 articles meeting criteria. Research shows that children with conditions process sensory input differently than peers. Neuroscience evidence supports the relationship between sensory-related behaviors and brain activity. Studies suggest that sensory processing is linked to social participation, cognition, temperament, and participation. Intervention research illustrates the importance of contextually relevant practices. Future work can examine the developmental course of sensory processing aspects of behavior across the general population and focus on interventions that support children’s sensory processing as they participate in their daily lives.

Classifying sensory profiles of children in the general population.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to subtype groups of children in a community sample with and without developmental conditions, based on sensory processing patterns. METHODS We used latent profile analysis to determine the number of sensory subtypes in a sample of n = 1132 children aged 3-14 years with typical development and developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities. RESULTS A five-subtype solution was found to best characterize the sample, which differed on overall degree and differential presentation of sensory processing patterns. Children with and without developmental conditions presented across subtypes, and one subtype was significantly younger in age than others (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that sensory subtypes include both children with typical development and those with developmental conditions. Sensory subtypes have previously been investigated in ASD only, and our results suggest that similar sensory subtypes are present in a sample reflective of the general population of children including those largely with typical development. Elevated scores on sensory processing patterns are not unique to ASD but rather are reflections of childrens abilities to respond to environmental demands.

Role of Occupational Therapy in Promoting Self-Determination Through Consumer-Directed Supports

ABSTRACT Consumer-directed services (CDS) are a type of support system designed to increase the quality of life and self-determination of clients, such as adults with developmental disabilities. Occupational therapists can play an important role in facilitating peoples involvement in CDS supports. This paper describes CDS, evidence that supports their use, and ways that occupational therapists use their training in person-centered practice to enhance CDS supports and self-determination. A case study is used to illustrate the application.

Sensory Processing Patterns in Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Typical Development

ABSTRACT Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine sensory processing in children ages 3–14 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and typical development (TD) using the Sensory Profile 2nd Edition (Dunn, 2014). Methods: Participants included 239 children (ASD = 77; ADHD = 78; TD = 84) matched on age and gender. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to compare the extent to which the three grsoups differed on sensory processing patterns (i.e., sensitivity, avoiding, registration, seeking) and sensory systems (i.e., auditory, visual, touch, movement, body position, oral, conduct, attention, social). We also examined the effect of chronological age. Results: Children with ASD and ADHD did not differ in sensory processing patterns which were elevated as compared to a TD group. Children with ASD showed the highest rate of oral processing differences, followed by ADHD and TD. Children with ADHD had higher visual processing scores than children with ASD and TD. Older children had lower scores for seeking, auditory, visual, movement, touch, and conduct than younger children, regardless of diagnosis. Conclusions: Findings suggest that sensory features may be an area of overlap of behaviors in ASD and ADHD, which may have implications for intervention approaches for children with these conditions.

Executive Function Measures for Children: A Scoping Review of Ecological Validity

Children use executive function (EF) skills within everyday occupations; however, EF poses a difficult and complex construct to measure. Currently, many measures of EF lack applicability to daily life, or ecological validity. The aim of this scoping review was to examine two aspects of ecological validity across measures, assessments, and tasks of EF in children. A scoping review of 355 peer-reviewed articles published between 1996 and 2016 was performed. Searching revealed 43 articles addressing the ecological validity of EF measures for children and 40 measures addressing ecological validity. An increasing number of articles address ecological validity of EF measures. Future research should address the interplay between context and EF performance. In addition, research should begin recognizing the importance of parental involvement in assessments, as well as ways to capture the EF strengths of children.

Mary's Case: An Illustration of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice for a Child With Severe Disabilities

Purpose The principles of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) are illustrated through the case of Mary, a child with severe disabilities. Method Marys experiences from early childhood to young adulthood are highlighted by both optimal and less-than-ideal examples of clinical services and collaborative practice. The range of collaboration illustrates potential variations in service delivery. Thematic comments and resources are provided by professionals experienced with and committed to IPCP who represent the following four disciplines: occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education, and speech-language pathology. Conclusions Although potentially challenging, IPCP is a dynamic practice methodology appropriate for speech-language pathologists and others serving persons with severe disabilities.

Sensory Processing in the General Population: Adaptability, Resiliency, and Challenging Behavior

&NA; Sensory processing is a personal trait that can contribute to challenging behavior. Protective factors, such as resiliency, can support children in managing their behavior, yet little research has addressed the contribution of sensory processing to protective factors. Therefore, in this cross‐sectional study we aimed to determine the contribution of sensory processing (using the Sensory Profile‐2) to challenging behavior and protective factors (using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd ed., Parent Rating Scales) in a sample of 51 children ages 6–11 yr from the general U.S. population. The results indicated that sensory avoiding predicts externalizing behaviors, depression, resiliency, and adaptability. In addition, sensory seeking is related to depression and resiliency, whereas sensory sensitivity is related to externalizing behaviors. Implications for occupational therapy research and practice are discussed.

Participation and Intellectual Disability: A Review of the Literature

Participation is a central aspect of human functioning and a key focus of research and practice in the intellectual disability field. However, there is not an accepted definition of participation that guides research and practice. To inform the development of a definition, a scoping review of the intellectual disability literature from 2001-2015 was conducted. Findings suggest that existing research rarely uses definitions of participation, but does examine participation across multiple domains and addresses issues of access and inclusion. Less focus was placed on individual aspects of participation such as meaning, responsibility, and choice. Based on the findings, implications for future research and practice are provided.