The Effect of a Two-week Sensory Diet on Infants With Regulatory Sensory Processing Disorder
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: This research aimed to determine the effect of educating parents on Regulatory \nSensory Processing Disorder (RSPD) and implementing an Ayers-SI sensory diet \nover a two-week period. Twelve infants who met the criteria for RSPD were \nsubdivided into two groups: 7-12 and 13-24 months. The data was obtained from a \ntelephonic interview and completion of the Infant Toddler Symptom Checklist (ITSC). \nFollowing the two-week intervention, the ITSC was completed again and results \nwere compared using the Wilcoxin Signed Rank Test. Although the research sample \nwas small, findings indicate that the Ayers-SI sensory diet was effective in reducing \nsigns of fussiness. The research group showed a significant change (p=0.0024) over \nthe two-week period, with a greater change evident in the 7-12 month group. Selfregulation \nand attachment showed the most significant change. Difficulties with \nsensory processing for example, tactile, vestibular and auditory sensitivities \nappeared to persist, indicating a possible need for direct sensory integrative therapy \nto address them. In addition, the findings indicate that there is a lack of referral for \nAyers-SI occupational therapy. This research adds value to the body of research \nwhich indicates the need for early intervention for possible prevention of later \ndevelopmental difficulties.
Institution: University of the Witwatersrand
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2126163799