THE EFFECT OF A TWO-WEEK SENSORY DIET ON INFANTS WITH REGULATORY SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER

Authors

  • Jacqueline Jorge Occupational Therapy Department, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand Paediatric Occupational Therapy Practice: Sensory Matters Inc.
  • Patricia Ann de Witt Occupational Therapy Department, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand
  • Denise Franzsen Occupational Therapy Department, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand

Abstract


The effectiveness of a two-week parent education and an Ayers-SI sensory diet intervention programme in reducing signs of fussiness in infants identified with Regulatory Sensory Processing Disorder (RSPD) was investigated.  Twelve infants, divided into two groups: 7-12 and 13-24 months, who met the criteria for RSPD, based on an interview and the completion of the Infant Toddler Symptom Checklist (ITSC) were included in the study.

Findings for this small sample indicated a significant reduction in signs of fussiness in both groups (p=0.00), with a greater change evident in the 7-12 month group. The most significant changes were seen in self-regulation and attachment. Difficulties with tactile, vestibular and auditory sensitivities related to sensory processing persisted, indicating the need for further sensory integrative therapy. The results also indicate a lack of recognition for RSPD in infants and the role of occupational therapy in this condition amongst other health professionals.

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Author Biographies

  • Jacqueline Jorge, Occupational Therapy Department, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand Paediatric Occupational Therapy Practice: Sensory Matters Inc.

    Postgraduate Student

    Qualifications. B OccTher (Pret) MSc OT (Wits)

  • Patricia Ann de Witt, Occupational Therapy Department, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand

    Qualifications:Dip OT (Pret) MSc OT (Wits)

     

    Adjunct Professor HOD,Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand

  • Denise Franzsen, Occupational Therapy Department, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand

    Qualifications:B Sc OT (Wits)MSc OT (Wits) DHT (Pret)

    Senior Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand

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Additional Files

Published

12-12-2013

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 3 (2013): The South African Journal of Occupational Therapy

Section

Research Articles

How to Cite

THE EFFECT OF A TWO-WEEK SENSORY DIET ON INFANTS WITH REGULATORY SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER. (2013). South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 43(3), 28-34. https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajot/article/view/19810
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  • Abstract 2
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  • Table 1 Initial and post intervention scores on the Infant Toddler Symptom Checklist for the total sample 2
  • Figure 2 Change in total scores on the Infant Toddler Symptom Checklist for 7-12 month old participants (n=6) compared to the 13-24 month old participants (n=6) 2