The occurrence and significance of coexisting diseases and disorders in the process of diagnosis and treatment of sensory integration disorders – preliminary report

Abstract

Therapy of sensory processing disorders is becoming more widespread and available as a therapeutic method, and supports the development of a child. Recently, the availability of classes conducted using this method has greatly increased, and more and more children are beginning to take part in these therapeutic activities. Sensory processing disorders have signifi cant impact on the functioning of a child. The study was conducted to answer the question of whether and how co-existing diseases and disorders can affect the process of diagnosis and therapy in the fi eld of sensory processing disorders. The study included a group of children reported to diagnosis for sensory integration disorders at the Center for Sensory Integration Disorders and Rehabilitation in Lublin between 2012-2014. All subjects lived in the Lublin Voivodeship. We analyzed records of 40 children aged 2 years 6 months to 9 years 8 months, for whom the diagnosis was carried out in the direction of sensory processing disorders, and their diagnosis indicated a sensory integration dysfunction. At the time of beginning therapy, on the basis of interviews conducted with parents/legal guardians, co-existing diseases or disorders related to 37% of those undergoing therapy. Additional tests and consultations, conducted already in the course of therapy, showed co-existing disorders or diseases for a larger group of children - data collected during the 6-month period from the beginning of treatment showed that 65% of children required care of a specialist clinic. The largest group were children who required additional orthoptic therapy. Knowledge of co-existing diseases and disorders is a condition making the therapy safe and effective. Cite this article as: Zdzienicka-Chyła A.M. The occurrence and significance of coexisting diseases and disorders in the process of diagnosis and treatment of sensory integration disorders – preliminary reports. Med Rehabil 2016; 20(2): 20-24.