Abstract
Sensory-friendly time (SFT) events modify community environments and activities to improve leisure participation for children with sensory processing differences, and are becoming increasingly popular. However, little evidence exists examining if SFT events successfully support community engagement for this population. An urban university and neighboring children’s museum designed multi-sensory SFT events for the community. This study explored what types and intensities of multi-sensory activities predicted behavioral responses from children with atypical sensory processing. A Child Engagement Observation Log documented activity interaction, affect, responsivity (arousal) and emotional response of children participating in SFT activities. Poisson regression models determined if sensory properties (sensory domain and intensity) of different activities significantly predicted observable behavior. Activities with a medium sound intensity, sight intensity and level of complexity; medium intensity of sight, touch, and complexity; and medium levels of movement and complexity were significant predictors of behaviors (p<.05). Results can guide future community SFT programming.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
