Effect of Sensory Integration-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention on Sensory Functions and Neuromotor Performance of a Baby with Down Syndrome: Case Report

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a sensory integration-based occupational therapy intervention programme on the sensory functions and neuromotor performance of a 14-month-old baby with Down syndrome (DS). The study evaluated the baby's sensory functions using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI) and neuromotor performance using the Neuro Sensory Motor Development Assessment (NSMDA) after recording demographic information. The infant participated in a 12-week occupational therapy intervention program, receiving 45-minute sessions once a week, and the family was provided with a home program. Evaluations were conducted before and after the intervention. The results showed positive improvements in the infant's sensory functions and neuromotor performance. The baby's NMDA functional level score decreased from 17 to 11, while the TSFI total score increased from 29 to 42. The study found that sensory integration-based occupational therapy intervention could be effective in improving sensory functions and neuromotor performance in a baby with DS. These results suggest that clinical management of sensory and neuromotor function may be of benefit to a significant number of babies with DS.