Abstract
Background: The National Early Childhood Intervention System of Portugal is an organized set of services under the responsibility of the Ministries of Health, Labor, and Social Security and Education aimed to support children between 0 and 6 years old and their families, and its mission is to ensure Early Childhood Intervention. At present, there is no research to support the extent of the use of sensory interventions in early intervention teams of Portugal.
 Aims: This study aims to analyze and understand the role of occupational therapists who support children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction and their families in local Early Intervention Teams.
 Methods: A qualitative and descriptive research was developed using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted with ten occupational therapists who have worked in Early Intervention Teams in the North of Portugal for at least one year.
 Results: Modulation and Praxis were the categories of Sensory Processing Dysfunction most identified. Families consider that Sensory Processing Dysfunctions interfere with children's performance in activities of daily living and playing. Early childhood educators report that Sensory Processing Dysfunctions influence the child's participation in food, playing, and in more structured and directed activities. To transfer skills, occupational therapists organize training for professionals, families, and early childhood educators.
 Conclusion: The importance of collaborative work between professionals and the child's family is evident, and the support they provide in the natural environment and daily routines.
Highlights
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is defined as the brain's difficulty in recording, modulating, and discriminating sensory stimuli to present an adaptive response [1]
The importance of collaborative work between professionals and the child's family is evident, and the support they provide in the natural environment and daily routines
The Early Intervention Service in Portugal is regulated by Decree-Law 281/2009 of October 6 [6], which aimed to create a National Early Intervention System in Childhood (NEISC) which ensures all children with special educational needs receive a full learning experience in an inclusive school environment
Summary
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is defined as the brain's difficulty in recording, modulating, and discriminating sensory stimuli to present an adaptive response [1]. The Early Intervention Service in Portugal is regulated by Decree-Law 281/2009 of October 6 [6], which aimed to create a National Early Intervention System in Childhood (NEISC) which ensures all children with special educational needs receive a full learning experience in an inclusive school environment. It is a service where occupational therapists are integrated with other professionals from different disciplinary areas (doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, speech and language pathologists, physiotherapists, educators).
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