Occupational Therapy Using Sensory Integration for Enhancing Occupational Performance in Children with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Children with autism often have difficulties in managing their daily lives due to occupational performance difficulties in activities related to their roles. The study aimed to examine the efficacy of occupational therapy using sensory integration on occupational performance in children with autism. Thirty-five children aged 3 to 10 years with autism were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 19). The intervention group received occupational therapy using sensory integration combined with an evidence-based Home Program, while the control group received only the Home Program. Both interventions were delivered once weekly for 16 sessions over four months. Occupational performance was assessed through Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, with individualized goals identified through Goal Attainment Scaling. The goals identified via Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were interpreted in the context of sensory processing patterns and emotional-behavioral responses assessed by the Sensory Profile, providing a data-driven approach to tailor intervention goals. The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher scores in assessing occupational performance (p =.036) and satisfaction (p =.034). The intervention group also achieved the highest + 1 score in Goal Attainment Scaling (n = 5, 31.3%). therapy using sensory integration, combined with a structured Home Program, effectively enhances occupational performance and goal attainment in children with autism, highlighting the value of child-centered, data-driven interventions.Trial registration Clinical trial number (NCT05718362; Date of registration: 2023-02-08))