The effects of occupational therapy with sensory integration emphasis on preschool-age children with autism.

OBJECTIVE Using single-subject research design, the effects of an occupational therapy intervention emphasizing sensory integration with five preschool children with autism were examined. METHOD In the AB design, nonengagement, mastery play, and interaction were measured, using videotape clips of each child's free play in the preschool. Following a 3-week baseline, an occupational therapist provided one-on-one sessions and consultation to teachers for 10 weeks. RESULTS When baseline and intervention phases were compared, four children demonstrated decreased frequency of nonengaged behavior, and three demonstrated increased frequency of mastery (goal-directed) play. Improvements in frequency of interaction were minimal. CONCLUSION The results support descriptions in the literature regarding the behavioral changes that children with autism can make when participating in intervention using a sensory integration approach.