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| Effects of Commercially Sold Sensory Devices on the Attention Span of Children Diagnosed with Autism |
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 |
| 1:30 PM–2:50 PM |
| Back Bay B |
| Area: AUT/CSE; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Suzanne M. Tuberdyke (Summit Educational Resources) |
| Discussant: Helen Bloomer (Crossroads Center for Children) |
| Abstract: Learning Objectives
Learn the purposes of sensory integration therapy;
Define sensory integrative therapy in terms of its behavioral processes;
Describe the data showing whether or not sensory integrative therapies actually change behavior as predicted; |
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| The Correlation Between Proprioception Input and Attention Using a Weighted Vest During Circle Time |
| DANIELLE FARINA (Crossroads Center for Children), Billie McCann (Crossroads Center for Children), Jennifer Kendall (Crossroads Center for Children) |
| Abstract: The weighted vest is advertised to give proprioceptive input, providing the child with unconscious information from muscles and joints. An increase in body awareness is intended to decrease sensory seeking and fidgety behaviors, thereby resulting in improved attending and learning. The poncho style vest design allows for the therapist to distribute weight evenly to the side, front, and back, while also appearing socially acceptable. Weight has been recommended to be 5% of student's body weight. Proprioception refers to processing of postural adjustment and perception of body parts in space, timing, and force. Sensory theory suggests that children who receive proprioceptive input improve body awareness, decrease in sensory seeking behaviors, and improved attention. This presentation will describe how a weighted vest impacted the attention of three preschool children diagnosed with autism, all exhibiting difficulty with attention. All children were observed in a natural classroom setting during circle time. |
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| The Effects of Sensory Stimulation on Attention in Children with Autism |
| GARI-SUE NAVARRO (Summit Educational Resources), Suzanne M. Tuberdyke (Summit Educational Resources), Stephen R. Anderson (Summit Educational Resources), Jennifer Kendall (Crossroads Center for Children), Billie McCann (Crossroads Center for Children), Danielle Farina (Crossroads Center for Children), Helen Bloomer (Crossroads Center for Children) |
| Abstract: A variety of sensory stimulation techniques were used with children with autism to investigate the effects on attention during circle time. Six children participated in the study utilizing a multiple baseline across children design. An interval recording method measured attending to the teacher or activity. After a baseline period, a sensory stimulation technique was introduced (e.g., T-Stool or therapy ball) while participating in the activity. The effects of the sensory stimulation on attention was measured during the morning and at an afternoon activity where sensory stimulation was never introduced. The results demonstrated that sensory stimulation increased attention (with varying outcomes across children) but generalization was limited. Implications for future research are discussed. |
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| The Correlation Between Vestibular Input and Attention Using the Disc' O'Sit During Circle Time |
| BILLIE MCCANN (Crossroads Center for Children), Jennifer Kendall (Crossroads Center for Children), Danielle Farina (Crossroads Center for Children) |
| Abstract: The Disc' O' Sit is advertised to provide vestibular input, enabling a child to work on postural training while seated. It fufills a child's need for movement, thereby decreasing extraneous movement seeking behaviors, freeing the child for increased focus and attention. The Disc' O' Sit is a 12 inch diameter inflatable disc. The vestibular system refers to how a child responds to body movement through change in space and head position. Sensory theory suggests that providing children with calming vestibular input will positively impact attention. This presention describes how the Disc' O' Sit impacted the attention of three preschool children with autism, all exhibiting dificulty with attention. All children were observed in a natural classroom setting during circle time. Results will be explained in terms of the effect of the therapy device on the levels of attention. |
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