Sensory Modulation Dysfunction in Child Victims of Trauma from four residential care sites in Southern Gauteng, South Africa.

Abstract

Introduction

The ability to modulate sensory input or the way an individual responds to sensory information, to create an appropriate adaptive response may be influenced by exposure to trauma. The aim of this study was to describe sensory modulation dysfunction in child victims of trauma in the clinical setting.

Method

Using purposive sampling, child victims of trauma from four residential care sites were selected. The Child Sensory Profile_TM 2 authored by Winnie Dunn in 2014, (based on the theoretical foundations of Ayres Sensory Integration), was completed by childcare workers to screen the sensory modulation of 128 children.

Results

Of the participants 91.4 % (117) were identified with sensory modulation dysfunction with only 8.6 % (11) participants displaying no symptoms and scoring "just like the majority of others" in all categories of the summary scores. Over 50% of the participants presented with sensory thresholds and self-regulation according to Avoidance, Sensitivity and Low Registration quadrants that were 'more than others and much more than others'. Over 50% of participants also displayed difficulty in the sensory system of Touch, in Social-Emotional and Attentional behaviours, at a 'more than others and much more than others' level. For this sample of CVT, a unique sensory profile which differs significantly from typical children " just like the majority of others," indicated a vigilant sensory subtype with increased Sensitivity and Avoidance.

Conclusion

A high percentage of child victims of trauma presented with sensory modulation dysfunction, mostly with low thresholds for sensory input, which indicates that they may not interpret the input in a meaningful way. This would lead to a disruption in self-regulation and adaptive behaviour affecting participation in occupations.