Sensory Tree: a Tangible user interface for enhancing children’s sensory integration through tactile intervention

Sensory processing abilities play important roles in child learning, behavioural and emotional regulation, and motor development. Moreover, it was widely demonstrated that numerous children with neurodevelopmental disabilities show differences in sensory processing abilities and self-regulation compared with those of typical children. For these reasons, a complete evaluation of early symptoms is very important, and specific tools are necessary to better understand and recognize these difficulties during childhood. The main aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate in a population of Italian typically developing (TD) children the Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation Checklist (SPSRC), a 130-item caregiver-reported checklist, covering children’s sensory processing and self-regulation performance in daily life. Preliminary testing of the SPSRC-IT was carried out in a sample of 312 TD children and 30 children with various developmental disabilities. The findings showed that the SPSRC-IT had high internal consistency, a good discriminant, and structural and criterion validity about the sensory processing and self-regulation abilities of children with and without disabilities. These data provide initial evidence on the reliability and validity of SPSRC-IT, and the information obtained by using the SPSRC-IT may be considered a starting point to widen the current understanding of sensory processing difficulties among children.

Background: During the past decade the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased to 1% of the UK population. Anecdotal reports of children with ASD suggest they are atypical selective eaters who restrict their food intake based on idiosyncratic pre-requisites of texture and food presentation. Research has previously focused on the nutritional adequacy of such diets rather than underlying sensory processing capabilities that are known to be impaired in up to 90% of children with ASD (Leekham et al., 2007). Sensory processing skills, eating behaviour and parent-child relationships are intersecting aspects of ASD; and each play a role in achieving maximum potential in developing daily living skills. Previous research, relating sensory processing ability and eating behaviour, is limited. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between sensory processing ability and eating behaviour in children with ASD. Methods: This analytical, exploratory study used purposive sampling, through approach of a parental support group for children with ASD in October 2009. Consent was sought from parents or guardians to complete two questionnaires; the validated Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and an eating behaviour questionnaire (EBQ) developed by the author and consisting of eight domains and four open questions. The domains of the EBQ were taste, texture, smell, behaviour, sound, environment, vision and touch. The domains were selected to reflect the SSP, and as a result of qualitative research from parental and specialist input and literature. Results of both questionnaires were statistically analysed using SPSS. Domains within each questionnaire were presented as mean (SD) and performance related data (SSP only) was presented as ‘typical performance’, ‘probable difference’ and ‘definite difference’ to indicate the degree of sensory processing difficulty (Dunn, 1999). Spearman Rank Correlation coefficient was used to explore correlations between domains within the two questionnaires. Ethical approval was gained from Leeds Metropolitan University Research Ethics Committee. Results: All parents (n = 20) participated in the study; completing questionnaires for 20 children (18 male, two female), mean age 10.8(2.6) years. Results of the SSP indicated that 71% of children in the study had sensory processing difficulties, of which auditory filtering (83%) and tactile sensitivity (68%) were ‘definite’ problem areas. Within the eating behaviour questionnaire, mealtime behaviour, vision, taste and smell were common areas that caused difficulty in daily life. Significant correlations between 20% of factors on the SSP and eating questionnaire were noted, the highest being SSP-taste/smell and EBQ taste (r = 0.9, P < 0.001) and SSP-taste/smell and EBQ vision (r = 0.9, P < 0.001). Discussion: This pilot study confirmed previous reports of sensory processing difficulties in children with autism (Tomcheck and Dunn, 2007) and provides preliminary data indicating a potential relationship between aspects of sensory processing ability and eating behaviour. Validation of the eating behaviour questionnaire is now required to establish a true link between these two areas and provide a sound basis for further longitudinal research that can accurately examine the impact of behaviour on eating in children with ASD and potential shifts in behaviour over time. Conclusion: This pilot study provides preliminary data linking sensory processing difficulty and eating behaviour and provides a basis for further research that supports effective and early interventions that improve quality of life, skills and prospects for those with ASD.

This study investigated the effects of vestibulo-proprioceptive activities on sensory processing and visuo-motor integration in school-aged children with sensory processing difficulties. The study included one school-aged child aged 9 years, and the experiment was conducted from March to April 2022, with a total of 16 sessions held twice a week for 40 minutes each. The child’s sensory processing ability was measured using the KV-SP-2, and visuo-motor integration ability was measured using the VMI-6. To determine the effectiveness of the intervention, the results before and after the vestibulo-proprioceptive activities were compared. The results of KV-SP-2 showed that the child sought more sensory input than before. Auditory and motion processing changed from much more than peers to more than peers. Visual and tactile processing changed from similar to peers to much more than peers. Sensory-seeking behaviors changed from similar to peers to much more than peers, while attentional responses to sensory processing changed from much more than peers to similar to peer. The results of VMI-6 showed that the child’s VMI and visual perception were at an average level, but their motor coordination was slightly lower than average. Specifically, the age equivalence for motor coordination was slightly lower, at 5 years and 3 months, compared 5 years and 6 months for the other domains. In conclusion, vestibulo-proprioceptive activities hand an effect on both sensory and behavioral areas, as well as motor coordination in visuo-motor integration development, in school-aged child with sensory processing difficulties.

Sensory processing may be associated with adolescents’ preferences for different leisure activities. However, knowledge about how different sensory processing patterns may relate to adolescents’ participation in leisure activities is scarce. This study sought to investigate the relationship between sensory processing and leisure participation in early adolescents. Study participants were typical early adolescents aged from 11 to 12 years (mean = 11.88 ± 0.33, n = 140). The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and Children’s Assessment for Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) were used to determine the participants’ sensory processing abilities. Correlational and multiple regression methods were employed to analyze the relationship between sensory processing and leisure participation. There were significant positive relationships between sensory seeking and participation (r = 0.177–0.350, p = 0.000–0.037). There were also significant negative relationships between low registration, sensory sensitivity, and overall participation (r = −0.202, p = 0.017, r = −0.212, p = 0.012). We found that formal activities, skill-based activities, and self-improvement activities were the main distinguishing factors between sensory processing types. Results suggest that sensation seeking and sensory sensitivity from the AASP were predictive of leisure participation. This study provides evidence to inform practices regarding the association of sensory processing and leisure participation and supports the need for assessing sensory processing in early adolescents.

This research investigated the sensory processing ability and selected subjects who had sensory processing problems, and divided the subjects into an experimental group and control group. The experimental group was educated with sensory processing intervention on the activities of daily living to determine its influence on the quality of life. The study was based on 230 university students with similar majors in 3 universities of Chungcheong area in the beginning of May, 2013. From here, 32 subjects who had issues with their sensory processing ability were selected. The 230 students were given a survey on the quality of life, individual characteristics, and sensory processing ability. Later, the 32 subjects who had problems with their sensory processing ability were divided into an experimental group and control group. The control group performed sensory processing intervention, whereas the control group did not. After the sensory processing intervention method for 6 weeks, the quality of life was re-evaluated. As a result, the total score of the quality of life after intervention was 98.69 in the experimental group and 84.81 in the control group (p

ABSTRACTBackgroundEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory esophageal disease associated with dysphagia, food impaction, feeding difficulties, vomiting, and failure to thrive in children. These symptoms result from dysregulated neural control and inflammation‐induced tissue remodeling and may extend beyond esophageal dysfunction to impact sensory processing. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory processing difficulties in children with EoE.MethodsThis prospective case‐control study included children with EoE and age‐matched healthy controls. Sociodemographic data and medical histories were collected. Sensory processing abilities were evaluated using the sensory profile, which evaluates sensory performance across multiple domains.ResultsA total of 69 children aged 3–10 years participated in the study, including 22 diagnosed with EoE and 47 healthy controls. No significant demographic differences were found between groups (p > 0.05). Children with EoE exhibited significantly greater sensory processing difficulties in oral sensory processing, vestibular processing, and oral sensory sensitivity compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSensory processing difficulties in children with EoE extend beyond feeding challenges, affecting oral sensory and vestibular processing functions. Incorporating sensory processing assessments into clinical evaluations may improve the understanding of sensory‐related challenges in this population. A multidisciplinary approach could help refine clinical management strategies.

이 연구는 성인 대학생의 감각처리 능력과 대인관계 문제와의 관련성을 조사하였으며 연구 대상자 177명이 작성한 청소년/성인 감각 프로파일 점수와 대인관계문제 검사 점수의 관련성을 분석한 결과 '낮은 감각 등록'영역은 KIIP 모든 척도와 관련성이 있는 것으로 나타났다 '감각찾기' 영역은 통제지배(r=0.150, p 【This research was conducted to find out the relation between sensory processing ability and Interpersonal Problem of university students. The subjects were 177 university students whose curricula were similar. The researchers made the subjects fill out the Adolescent/Adult sensory profile and Korean inventory of interpersonal problem(KIIP). The analysis of the relevancy between the Adolescent/Adult profile and the Interpersonal problem showed that 'Low Registration' is related to all aspects of KIIP. 'Sensation Seeking' showed relation with Domineering/Controlling(r=0.150, p】

This study looked into the effectiveness of different psychological therapies in enhancing sensory processing skills among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A quasi-experimental design was used to test the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), and Parent-Mediated Therapies in addressing sensory processing difficulties in a sample of 200 children aged 5–12 years. Sensory processing, anxiety, adaptive functioning, and parental satisfaction were assessed before and after the therapy. The results showed that 35% of participants had significant improvements in sensory processing abilities, whereas 30% of them showed moderate improvement in sensory processing ability. Play therapy has a positive effect on the integration of sensory elements in 42.5% of participants, though mindfulness interventions mainly reduce the sensory distress in 45% and improve emotional regulation in 35%. Parent-mediated therapies were more effective in enhancing daily functioning at 47.5% and creating sensory-friendly environments at 37.5%. Moreover, the most common features of sensory processing challenges included hyper-responsiveness at 55%, followed by hypo-responsiveness at 30%, and sensory-seeking behaviors at 15%. Such findings indicate that psychological therapies may be helpful in the management of children with ASD, but specific approaches may need to be taken for the diverse sensory processing profiles within this population.

본 연구는 노인의 감각처리 능력과 삶의 질에 영향을 주는 요인을 비교 분석하고 관련성을 규명하고자 하였다. 연구대상은 65세 이상 노인 121명이 참여하였으며, 삶의 질 평가는 노인생활만족척도를 사용하였고, 한국판 AASP를 이용하여 노인의 감각처리 능력을 평가하였다. 또한 노인의 활동수준 평가는 한국판 활동분류카드를 사용하였다. 노인의 삶의 질과 활동수준과의 상관성 검증 결과, 총점(p<.01), 수단적 일상생활(p<.05), 여가활동(p<.01), 사회활동(p<.01)에서 낮은 양의 상관성을 보였다. 노인의 삶의 질과 감각처리 능력과의 상관성 검증에서 등록저하는 낮은 음의 상관관계(p<.01), 감각찾기는 낮은 양의 상관관계(p<.05), 감각민감성은 낮은 음의 상관관계(p<.01), 감각회피는 낮은 음의 상관관계(p<.01)를 나타냈다. 삶의 질과 감각처리 능력의 하위 영역 모두에서 통계학적으로 유의한 상관성을 보여 노인의 감각처리 능력의 중요성이 부각되었으며, 노인에 대한 감각처리 능력 향상이 노인 작업치료 분야에 있어 새로운 중재 방향임을 제시 할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. 또한 삶의 질에 영향을 주는 활동수준과 감각처리 능력과의 상관성이 있다는 것으로 판별되어 앞으로의 노인복지정책에도 반영되어야 할 것이다. This study aims to analyze the factors that affect quality of life and sensory processing abilities in older adults. Participants were 121 older adults aged over 65. Quality of life was evaluated with Life satisfaction Index for the Elderly and sensory processing abilities were measured with Korean-AASP. Korean Activiy Card Sort was utilized to assess their activity level. Low positive correlations were found between quality of life and activity level in total score(p<.01), IADL(p<.05), leisure(p<.01), and social participation(p<.01). Correlation coefficients between quality of life and sensory processing abilities showed low negative correlations in low registration(p<.01), sensory sensitivity(p<.01), and sensation avoiding(p<.01), however, there were low positive correlations in sensation seeking(p<.05). The importance of sensory processing was highlighted from the findings of statistically significant correlations between quality of life and sensory processing abilities. This indicates that improvement of sensory processing abilities is critical in occupational therapy service for older adults. Furthermore, the findings of close relationship between activity levels and sensory processing abilities need to be reflected in senior welfare policy.

Background Sensory processing supports children's development and abilities to participate in activities across contexts. Self-regulation skills may influence how children process various sensory experiences in daily life activities. The Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation Checklist (SPSRC) is a 130-item caregiver-reported checklist, covering children's essential sensory processing and self-regulation performance in daily activities. Objectives This study examines the psychometric properties of the SPSRC (English version) in measuring the sensory processing and self-regulation abilities of children. Methods A preliminary field testing of the SPSRC-English was conducted in a sample of n = 194 children (164 without disability and 30 with a disability) to evaluate its reliability and validity properties. Results The SPSRC-English was shown to have high internal consistency and test-retest reliability; and good discriminant, structural, and criterion validity in the sensory processing and self-regulation abilities of children with and without disability ages 4-12 years. Conclusion The current study provides initial evidence on the reliability and validity of SPSRC-English in measuring the sensory processing and self-regulation abilities in children with and without a disability. The SPSRC-English may provide salient information supporting the understanding of sensory processing difficulties among children.

Background/Aims Sensory processing has been theorised to contribute to object and temporal organisation. Sensory processing and organisational abilities in children with inattention-hyperactivity was assessed, and investigated if there was a relationship between the two. Methods A community sample of children aged 9–12 years was categorised into inattentive-hyperactive (n=20) and non-inattentive-hyperactive groups (n=56) using the Vanderbilt Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Parent and Teacher Rating Scales. The Sensory Profile, Child Organisation Scale and Child Organisation Parent Perception Scale were used to collect additional data. Results Sensory processing and organisational abilities differed significantly between the groups. Object organisation correlated significantly with multisensory processing; temporal organisation failed to correlate with sensory processing. Conclusions Results suggest there is a need to screen children with informant-reported inattention-hyperactivity for sensory processing differences and organisational deficits. Sensory processing and object organisation may be associated; further research on potential factors underlying this association is needed.

Sensory processing dysfunction not only affects most individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but at least 5% of children without ASD also experience dysfunctional sensory processing. Our understanding of the relationship between sensory dysfunction and resting state brain activity is still emerging. This study compared long-range resting state functional connectivity of neural oscillatory behavior in children aged 8–12 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; N=18), those with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD; N=18) who do not meet ASD criteria, and typically developing control participants (TDC; N=24) using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Functional connectivity analyses were performed in the alpha and beta frequency bands, which are known to be implicated in sensory information processing. Group differences in functional connectivity and associations between sensory abilities and functional connectivity were examined. Distinct patterns of functional connectivity differences between ASD and SPD groups were found only in the beta band, but not in the alpha band. In both alpha and beta bands, ASD and SPD cohorts differed from the TDC cohort. Somatosensory cortical beta-band functional connectivity was associated with tactile processing abilities, while higher-order auditory cortical alpha-band functional connectivity was associated with auditory processing abilities. These findings demonstrate distinct long-range neural synchrony alterations in SPD and ASD that are associated with sensory processing abilities. Neural synchrony measures could serve as potential sensitive biomarkers for ASD and SPD.

Cognition, Gamma Oscillations and Neuronal Synchrony

Background and purpose. children with cerebral palsy have sensory processing issues as well as motor problems, which lead to severe developmental disability. In this study, we aimed to assess correlation between sensory processing abilities and motor capabilities in children with cerebral palsy and assess the effect of cerebral palsy types on sensory processing abilities and motor capabilities. Materials and methods. One hundred cerebral palsy children of both sex were included in the study; their age ranged from 4-10 years old were selected from pediatric rehabilitation out clinic of faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University, fulfilling inclusion criteria. All children were assessed by Short sensory profile: to measure sensory processing ability, Gross Motor Function Classification System: to measure the gross motor skills and Manual Ability Classification System: to measure the fine motor skills. Result. there was a significant correlation between GMFCS, MACS and the total score of SSP as well as Low energy weak, tactile sensitivity score, taste smell sensitivity, Movement sensitivity, and Under-responsive seeks sensation (P ≤ 0.05*). There was no significant correlations between both auditory filtering and Visual-auditory sensitivity with GMFCS and MACS (P = 0.676 and 0.266, respectively). There was statistical variation among different CP types regarding SSP and motor assessment (P ≤ 0.05*). Conclusion. the study showed: sensory processing abilities effect on motor capabilities in children with cerebral palsy.

Although several studies have shown sensory processing abnormalities in pediatric subjects with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there is significant heterogeneity among their results. This study was performed to compare the sensory processing abilities of children and adolescents with and without ADHD aged 6-15 years and to correlate the sensory processing problems in these patients, with the symptom profile and severity of ADHD. While child sensory profile-2 (SP-2) was used to assess, the sensory processing abilities of ADHD patients, revised Connor's parent rating scale revised, Malin's intelligence scale for Indian children, grade level assessment device, and child behavior checklist were used to assess ADHD symptom severity, intelligence, learning, and behavioral problems, respectively. A total of 66 ADHD patients enrolled (60 boys), 22 (28%), 7 (9%), and 49 (63%) cases were the ADHD-hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-HI), ADHD-inattentive, and ADHD-combined (ADHD-C) types, respectively, and 33 typically developing controls. The ADHD patients had a significantly low raw score on most of the factors, sections, and response patterns of SP-2 (P < 0.05), but only four and one ADHD patients had auditory and visual processing scores outside the normal clinical range. There was a trend toward higher scores in the children with ADHD-C and ADHD-HI subtypes. There was a moderate negative correlation between hyperactivity/impulsivity T-score and auditory processing scores in the SP (P < 0.05, r = -0.43). We observed a negative correlation, although weak, between visual processing scores and hyperactivity/impulsivity and a positive correlation between the severity of conduct disorder-related problems, oppositional defiant problems, anxiety problems, and auditory as well as tactile processing scores (P < 0.05). In the quadrant score summary, the scores for all four types, that is, sensory sensitivity, low registration, sensation avoiding, and sensation seeking, were significantly more in the ADHD group, as compared to healthy controls. Sensory processing abilities in ADHD children differ from that of typically developing children when objectively assessed, although most of the ADHD children had scores in the clinically normal range. The sensory processing profile also has an impact on the severity and comorbidity profile of ADHD patients.