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Extreme Sensory Modulation Behaviors in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Written by Ben-Sasson, Cermack, Orsmond, Tager-Flusberg, Carter, Kadiek, and Dunn
American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT)
September/October 2007, 61, 584-592
This study examined the incidence of extreme sensory modulation behaviors in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and investigated the consistency of sensory information across measures. Parent report of sensory behaviors in 101 toddlers with ASD was compared with 100 toddlers who were typically developing matched on chronological age and 99 additional infants or toddlers matched on mental age. Measures included the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile, Infant–Toddler Social Emotional Assessment, Autism Diagnostic Interview– Revised, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Generic. Toddlers with ASD were most distinct from typically developing groups in their high frequency of underresponsiveness and avoiding behaviors and their low frequency of seeking. Within the toddlers with ASD, there were significant associations across sensory parent report measures, but parent report was not correlated with clinical observation. Findings point to the early onset of an extreme sensory profile in ASD. Occupational therapists need to assess multiple domains of sensory behaviors to accurately identify the needs of toddlers with ASD.
Click here - Nine page article to download as a PDF
Behavioral Indexes of the Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy
Roberts, J. E., King-Thomas, L., & Boccia, M. L. (2007). Behavioral indexes of the efficacy of sensory integration therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 555-562.
CONCLUSION. Classical sensory integration therapy may be associated with improved self-regulatory behaviors.
Click here - Eight page article to download as a PDF
Validating the Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorders Using EEG Technology
Davies, P. L., & Gavin, W. J. (2007). Validating the diagnosis of sensory processing disorders using EEG technology. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 176-189.
CONCLUSION. These results present empirical evidence that children with SPD display unique brain processing mechanisms compared to children who are typically developing and provide external validity for the diagnosis of SPD.
Click here - Fourteen page article to download as a PDF
Collecting Data for the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM)
Lessons Learned
By Diana A. Henry, MS, OTR/L
 Administrators in U.S. public school systems are increasingly requiring evidence-based interventions, based on the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, as well as the 2004 re-authorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Generating and using evidence is also an essential component of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA’s) Centennial Vision.
As a pediatric occupational therapy practitioner “in the trenches” in a school or a clinic, you are probably excited about contributing to and participating in research through active data collection. Although data collection is extremely rewarding, it does have some challenges. In this article I present issues to ponder so you can be successful, and contribute to evidence-based practice (EBP).
Click here - Six page article to download as a PDF
Not Too Old For Sensory Integration
By Diana A. Henry, MS, OTR/L
 In 1972, when Dr. A. Jean Ayres first defined the sensory integration (SI) process as "the ability to organize sensory information for use", her research focused on identifying specific subtypes or patterns of dysfunction among children. Unfortunately, the emphasis placed on the plasticity of the young brain has been incorrectly interpreted by some to mean that individuals older than age 7 can no longer benefit fromsensory integrative intervention. As clinicians, we can now turn to a scholarly and newly published textbook, Sensory Integration. Theory and Practice (1991), and find the following:
Click here- Two page article to download as a PDF
Sensory Integration: It's Not Just For Children
"...We believe that the sensory integration framework can be a useful lens for interpreting behaviors and a guide for implementing strategies to enhance occupational performance in clients across the lifespan... This article makes a case that because humans are sensory beings and sensation is inherent in all occupations, the sensory integration framework is relevant to occupational therapy practice beyond pediatric..."
Authors: Renee Watling, PhD, OTR/L, Stefanie Bodison, MA, OTR/L, Diana A. Henry, MS, OTR/L, CWT, and Heather Miller-Kuhaneck, MS, OTR/L, BCP
Published: 12/2006 in the AOTA SI SIS Quarterly
Click here - Four page article available to download as a PDF
Information regarding resources and articles Diana spoke about during her Tools for Pre-Teens and Teens workshop at the OT/PT Institute in Columbus, Ohio, August 2006
1. Mahoney, S. (2004).What was he thinking? Don't blame hormones. New research shows what really causes your teen's weird behavior and what to do about it. Prevention Magazine, 56, 3, 159-165 &199.
2. Butler, K. (2006). Drinking may take big toll on teen brains. Deseretnews.com.
3. Ebbeck, V., & Gibbons, S. L. (1998). The effect of a team building program on the self-conceptions of grade 6 and 7 physical education students. Journal of Sport and Exercise Physiology, 20, 300-310.
4. Pfeiffer, B., Kinnealey,M., M.,Reed, C., & Herzerberg, G. (2005). Sensory modulation and affective disorders in children and adolescents with Asperger's disorders. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59, 335-345.
5. Puliti, B. (2006). Standing Room Only: Children learn without chairs in the 'classroom of the future.' Advance for Physical Therapists and PT Assistants 30-31, June 5, 2006.
Click here -Two page article on recess available to download as a PDF
Below is the requested Brain Power in Government photo
 Classroom Seating for Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Therapy Balls Versus Chairs
Denise Lynn Schilling, Kathleen Washington,
Felix F. Billingsley, Jean Deitz
View Article
Students at a Halifax school have traded in their plastic desk chairs.
Staff have come up with a unique solution to a common classroom problem: fidgety, distracted and inattentive kids. They've traded in the plastic desk chairs for something that might surprise you -- rubber balls. View Article
A Childs point of view.... By Zac
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ATEACHABOUT goes on the road to teach schools sensory integration
Sensory Diet Applications and
Understanding sensory integration "
Watch for an article scheduled for November 27 in the Washington Post on ATEACHABOUT by Evelyn Vuko, author of the education column "
Read the article in the September 25 issue of OT Practice entitled, 
Please read the article printed in 