Trauma- and Attachment-Informed Sensory Integration Assessment and Intervention

Occupational therapists commonly work with children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, and other developmental disorders. Although many of these children have difficulties with sensory integration, they also may have trauma or attachment disorders that may or may not be formally identified. Early childhood trauma includes early loss or lack of consistent caregivers; emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; various forms of neglect; surgical procedures; and life-saving measures in the neonatal intensive care unit. This article reviews current issues related to trauma, identifies overlapping characteristics of trauma disorders and sensory modulation disorders, and discusses the occupational therapist’s role in working with children who have experienced trauma.