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Sensory integration therapy for autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review
Lang R, O'Reilly M, Healy O, Rispoli M, Lydon H, Streusand W, Davis T, Kang S, Sigafoos J, Lancioni G,Didden R, Giesbers S

 

 

 

CRD summary

The authors concluded that sensory integration therapy had no consistently positive effect as a treatment for children with autism spectrumdisorders. Despite some potential methodological flaws in the review the conclusion reflects the evidence presented and seems likely to be reliable.

Authors' objectives

To evaluate the effects ofsensory integration therapy in the education and treatment of people with autism spectrum disorders.

Searching

MEDLINE, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection and PsycINFO were searchedfor peer-reviewed studies in English. Search terms were reported. Reference lists were scanned and selected journals were handsearched to identify additional articles. All searches were conductedduring June and July 2011.

Study selection

Eligible studies had to contain at least one participant diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and had to evaluate some form of sensory integrationtherapy that aimed to decrease symptoms, improve quality of life, increase access to typical environments (such as school or community) and/or improve academic performance. Therapy had to involve atleast one of weighted vests, swinging, brushing, joint compression and/or alternative seating (such as therapy balls). Studies of multicomponent interventions were eligible. Around half of the includedstudies evaluated multicomponent interventions. Most participants were male (where reported), diagnosed with autism (others were diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specifiedand one had Asperger's syndrome) and were aged between two and 12 years. Information on intellectual disability was provided in around one quarter of studies and status was largely moderate or...