Introduction: Adults with complex needs and severe learning disability present as a serious management problem within the community. Restrictive interventions are often used to manage adults with these issues, even though best practice recommends the use of positive behaviour support. Positive behaviour support involves functional analysis, but it…

In this systematic review, we examined quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies on loneliness in autistic adults. A total of 1460 articles were identified, and 34 of these met inclusion criteria. Results demonstrated that (1) there is a paucity of qualitative data providing first-hand descriptions of loneliness from autistic adults; (2)…

The purpose of this study was to compare the sensory-processing patterns of preterm and term children at 6 years of age. The sensory profile (SP; W. Dunn, 1999) was used to evaluate sensory-processing patterns. We compared the section and factor SP scores of 118 preterm children with those of 158 term children at 6 years of age. Preterm children…

The use of mobile applications (apps) is popular among parents and teachers due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation, and the number of apps with the specific aim to increase eye contact for children with autism is growing rapidly. However, research is limited to assess the efficiency of the majority of the apps available for…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of creative dance on proprioception, rhythm and static balance in preschool children. The treatment group consisted of 32 preschool children which took part in a creative dance programme that lasted 2 months (twice a week), while the control group (30 preschool children) participated in an…

Hippotherapy uses the horse's movement to enhance motor coordination, sensory integration, communication, and emotional stability in people with different disabilities. There is a need for evidence that proves increased efficiency in language use. In this study, we analyze the effect of hippotherapy on the communicative abilities of children with…

The impact of Sensory Processing Difficulties across a range of Special Educational Needs is well researched. More recently, the impact on children's mental health and well-being, linked with anxiety, depression and self-injurious behaviours, have redirected international research to consider the holistic benefits of sensory provision, for those…

Emotional self-regulation (ESR) challenges are well-documented in the diagnostic profiles of children with Autism; however, less is known about the development of ESR and the role of parents in ESR development for this population. Thirty-seven young children with autism and one of their parents participated in a home-based, observational study…

This study compared a behavioral feeding intervention with and without pre-meal sensory integration therapy (SIT) in two boys with autism spectrum disorder and severe food selectivity. For both participants, child bite and drink consumption and total intake increased to similar levels with corresponding decreases in inappropriate mealtime behavior…

This study aims at: (1) knowing whether there is an influence from the sensory integration approach using brain gym treatment and meronce (bead stringing) activities towards counting skills among children with special needs; (2) describing the effect of the sensory integration approach through brain gym treatment and meronce activities on counting…

This systematic review evaluates current evidence for using sound-based interventions (SBIs) to improve educational participation for children with challenges in sensory processing and integration. Databases searched included CINAHL, MEDLINE Complete, PsychINFO, ERIC, Web of Science, and Cochrane. No studies explicitly measured participation-level…

Antecedent-based interventions, including sensory integration-based interventions and physical exercise, are regularly used in clinical and educational settings despite the lack of high-quality research documenting their efficacy. This study analyzed the effect of two comparisons---wearing headphones and not wearing headphones, and the provision…

Purpose: Self-selection and self-avoidance of certain foods is one possible indicator of preclinical (prior to any clinical intervention) dysphagia in healthy older adults. Self-selection of food choices is influenced by changes in a combination of factors, including neuromuscular, sensory, and individual patient characteristics. Changes to these…

We evaluated the efficacy of vitamin D (VID), omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LCPUFA, OM), or both (VIDOM) on core symptoms of ASD. New Zealand children with ASD (n = 73; aged 2.5-8.0 years) received daily 2000 IU vitamin D[subscript 3], 722 mg docosahexaenoic acid, both, or placebo. Outcome measures were Social…

Social skills and sensory processing were examined in 91 homeless or poor housed preschool children. The Social Skills Rating Scale measured children's social skills/behavior problems and the Short Sensory Profile measured sensory and behavioral responses. Children who were poor housed had better social skills, fewer problem behaviors and better…