ERIC Number: EJ1189552
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1469-9532
EISSN: N/A
The Use of Sensory Integration Therapy in Malaysia and Singapore by Special Education Teachers in Early Intervention Settings
Leong, H. M.; Stephenson, Jennifer; Carter, Mark
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, v39 n1 p10-23 2014
Background: Sensory integration (SI) therapy is an intervention widely used with children with disability despite the lack of evidence regarding its efficacy. Method: A questionnaire was distributed to early intervention teachers in Malaysia and Singapore. Information was sought on how early intervention teachers learned about SI therapy, the forms of SI therapy they used, and the benefits they expected. Results: Many activities reported as SI therapy were common early intervention activities. Teachers appeared to be particularly interested in SI therapy as an intervention for challenging behaviours related to sensory stimuli but had difficulty explaining how the therapy resulted in the benefits they perceived. Teachers also reported limited monitoring of student outcomes when using SI therapy. Conclusions: In light of the very weak evidence for the efficacy of SI therapy, but noting that the intervention continues to be used, it is recommended that good monitoring practices are maintained by teachers. The intervention should be discontinued where clear progress is not evident. Teachers and therapists need additional training in evidence-based practices. Further, alternative intervention strategies should be considered for challenging behaviours related to sensory stimuli.
Descriptors: Sensory Integration, Therapy, Intervention, Outcomes of Treatment, Cross Cultural Studies, Foreign Countries, Special Education Teachers, Early Intervention, Learning Disabilities, Evidence Based Practice, Faculty Development, Workshops, Teacher Attitudes, Intellectual Disability, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Children, Adolescents, Physical Disabilities, Emotional Disturbances, Behavior Problems
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Malaysia; Singapore
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A