Current Sensory Integration Therapy Approaches used by Speech-Language Pathologists to Treat Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Tessa Larsen

Date of Submission

Spring 2024

Document Type

Closed Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Department

Speech-Language Pathology

First Advisor

Maria Centeno-Vazquez, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There are many challenges that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face but sensory processing disorders are one of the common challenges. The aim of this study is to investigate what sensory integration approaches are being used by Speech-Language Pathologists for children with ASD. METHOD: An online survey was conducted via Qualtrics. Forty-two SLP’s responded but only thirty-one SLP’s completed the survey to its entirety focusing on demographic questions, types of sensory integration approaches, and the benefits of using sensory integration approaches. RESULTS: Respondents indicated that they often use sensory integration approaches during therapy sessions often, specifically utilizing tactile approaches such as textures such as play-doh, slime, or brushes. Collaboration and education of sensory integration approaches by Occupational Therapists (OT) were reported by SLP’s. Positive outcomes for using sensory integration approaches by SLP’s prove to be beneficial for children with ASD. CONCLUSION: Despite limited evidence for the effectiveness of sensory integration approaches for children with ASD in speech therapy sessions, SLP’s consistently reported that they implement these approaches often and results showed that there are benefits to using sensory integration approaches. The insights gathered from this research study support reports of positive outcomes related to sensory integration approaches for children with ASD and collaboration with OT’s. Further research is needed.

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