- equipment utilized: lyric swings, balance beams, climbing walls, trampolines
- specific devices: weighted vests, sensory brushes
- activities: sequenced movements 

SI/SP-T intervention procedures

Difficulties in modulating and integrating sensory input exacerbate ADHD, ASD, and disruptive behaviors, according to the SI/SP intervention approach. The approach focuses on contributions from the tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular symptoms. It is hypothesized that these systems contribute to core symptoms of ADHD, ASD, and disruptive behaviors. Similarly, it is posited that SI/SP intervention directly improves attentional, emotional, motoric, communication, and/or social skills/abilities. SI/SP intervention is largely implemented but does not yet have a strong evidence-base. Additional large-scale studies are needed.

SI/SP Intervention

Lambourne et al. (2010) wanted to see if acute exercise impacts sensory and executive processing tasks. The researchers measured the participants’ sensory sensitivity and their executive processing performance five times during the course of 40 min cycling at a moderate aerobic level and three times during a 30 min post-exercise period.

Study examining the effects of acute exercise on sensory processing 

Lawrence University

A condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to sensory input. May affect one or multiple senses. Symptoms could include over-sensitivity to certain stimuli, difficulties with coordination, or failure to respond to outside stimuli. This disorder is often seen in individuals on the Autism spectrum. It is not currently recognized as a distinct medical diagnosis.

Sensory Processing Disorder

The DSM-5 criteria for children with ASD includes deficits in sensory processing, specifically sensory modulation. Any sensory modality may be affected but some evidence suggests that individuals with ASD have a greater frequency of sensory deficits in the domains of taste and smell, as well as tactile sensitivity. 

- neurobiology of sensory symptoms in ASD

Sensory Processing Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with ADHD have less sensory-motor abilities than typical children. Additionally, the patterns of sensory modulation in children with ADHD are significantly different from the patterns of sensory modulation in typical children. Particular behavioral problems like aggression and delinquency in ADHD are correlated with specific sensory issues. A child with ADHD who has greater sensory issues is more likely to have behavioral problems. Sensory functioning in a child with ADHD is also strongly correlated with academic achievement. Children with ADHD have more difficulties in tactile processing, balance and coordination, auditory processing, visual processing, and olfactory identification. 

Sensory Processing deficits in ADHD

Camarata, S., Miller, L. J., & Wallace, M. T. (2020). Evaluating Sensory Integration/Sensory Processing Treatment: Issues and Analysis. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2020.556660

Treatment for Sensory Integration Dysfuction/Sensory Processing Disorder reference

While children with ASD may also have deficits in sensory processing, the behavioral profiles of sensory processing in children with ASD and children with SPD may differ. 

Differentiating between Sensory Processing Disorder and Austism Spectrum Disorder

McIntosh et. al (2007) assessed electrodermal responses in 19 children with sensory-modulation disruptions and 19 typically developing control children. 4 members in the SMD group did not have electrodermal responses to sensory stimuli. Excluding the 4 non-responders in the SMD group and their matched controls, the researchers found that the children in the SMD group showed more electrodermal responses and responses higher in magnitude than the control children. Something important to note about this study is that children with autism were excluded from the study.

Electrodermal responses to sensory stimuli in children with sensory-modulation disruptions

- Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) 
- Sensory Discrimination Disorder
- Sensory-Based Motor Disorder 

3 Patterns of Sensory Processing Disorder 

Since more than half of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) display sensory over-responsivity, are there differences in brain response, habituation, and connectivity during exposure to sensory stimuli between children with ASD and sensory over-responsivity, compared to neurotypical children?

Neurobiology of sensory symptoms in ASD (research question)

The neurotransmitter GABA is heavily involved in sensory integration, and reduced GABA levels have been observed in children with ASD compared to children without ASD

This could be a key reason for sensory issues in ASD, with sensory processing issues having a prevalence rate of 90% in people with ASD

Role of GABA Neurotransmitter in Sensory Processing and ASD

Strategic use of deep pressure (defined as the sensation provided when an individual is hugged, squeezed, stroked, or held), often used by occupational therapists when working with patients with ASD

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