Sensory modulation dysfunction in child victims of trauma from four residential care sites in southern Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The ability to modulate sensory input or the way an individual responds to sensory information, to create an appropriate adaptive response may be influenced by exposure to trauma. The study aimed to describe sensory modulation dysfunction in child victims of trauma in clinical settings in a residential urban South African setting. METHOD: A descriptive quantitative research design was implemented. Using purposive sampling, child victims of trauma from four residential care sites were selected. The Child Sensory Profile"™ 2 was completed on 128 children by childcare workers. RESULTS: Of the participants 91.4 % (117) were identified with sensory modulation dysfunction with only 8.6% (11) participants displaying no symptoms and scoring 'just like the majority of others' in all categories of the summary scores. More than 50% of the participants presented with sensory thresholds and self-regulation according to Sensory Avoidance, Sensory Sensitivity and Low Registration Quadrants that were 'more than others and much more than others'. Over 50% of participants also displayed difficulty in Touch Sensory Processing and Social-Emotional and Attentional Behaviours, in the 'more than others and much more than others' range. The sensory profile for this sample of Child Victims of Trauma, differed significantly from typical children 'just like the majority of others', indicating a vigilant sensory subtype with increased sensory sensitivity and sensory avoiding. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of child victims of trauma presented with sensory modulation dysfunction, mostly with low thresholds for sensory input. Sensory Modulation dysfunction leads to a disruption in self-regulation and adaptive behaviour affecting participation in occupations