Research Proposal

Jenny Yoon
Intern/Mentor G/T
2017-2018

Research Title: ​Making Sense of Sensory Integration: The Impact of Early Intervention of
Sensory Integration on Autism Spectrum Disorders

Overview of Research: ​This year’s research focused on the sensory processing difficulties of
children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and the impact that the early intervention of
sensory integration therapy (SIT) has on these sensory processing issues in children with ASDs.
Sensory processing difficulties are one of the main characteristics of children with ASDs, due to
different sensitivities to sensory input. This study investigates the effect SIT has on decreasing
these sensitivities, and how the early intervention of treatment enhances the benefits of SIT. The
impact of SIT in early intervention treatment can be proven by comparing three different case
studies and observing the reactions to implementing sensory techniques in occupational therapy.
Naturalistic observation will be conducted in order to identify the benefits of integration SIT
techniques in a consistent early intervention occupational therapy setting.

Background and History of the Issue:

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are defined as a group of developmental disorders that have
a wide spectrum of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability. Autism disorder, Asperger’s
disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS, or
atypical autism) are listed as subcategories of ASDs in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Sensory processing is one of the most common difficulties
prevalent in children with ASDs, in which there are dysfunctions in the integration of sensory
input in the brain. This causes the common symptoms shown in autistic individuals, like
difficulty in processing information, irritability, and problems regarding development and
behavior.

Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a treatment model in which children with ASDs are
exposed to sensory stimulation in order to decrease the sensitivity and difficulty of processing
sensory input. Unlike other treatments for ASDs, SIT uses individualized treatment plans for
patients in order to accommodate to every child’s sensory needs. Because of the lack of
experiment-based research on SIT, it is difficult to gauge whether or not it has a significant
impact over time on the development of children diagnosed with ASDs. However, research
shows that early intervention in children with ASDs enhances the development of infants and
toddlers with disabilities, and it is implied that implementing more SIT services in early
intervention programs can positively impact the developmental needs of autistic children.
Problem Statement and Rationale:
Most of the behavioral and cognitive difficulties present in the characteristics of children with
ASDs are due to difficulties with sensory processing. The over-stimulation or under-stimulation
of the senses create difficulties for children with ASDs in interacting with their environment
comfortably. The use of sensory integration techniques in occupational therapy has been
implemented as a treatment for sensory processing issues, but there is still much to research on
the impact of SIT. Because of the lack of experiment-based research on SIT, it is difficult to
gauge whether or not it has a significant impact over time on the development of children
diagnosed with ASDs. The observational studies of the early intervention of SIT can pave a way
for more research in finding a way to enhance and maximize the impact of SIT for children with
ASDs.

Research Methodology:
● Research Question and Hypothesis:
○ What impact does early intervention of Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) have
on children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)?
○ Early intervention of sensory integration therapy benefits the development of
sensory processing abilities in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).
● Basis of Hypothesis:
Early intervention of SIT for children can decrease the symptoms of sensory processing
difficulties early on, as the developing brain is a lot more malleable and susceptible to
change and learning. Implementing stronger early intervention programs in schools will
also decrease the need for special education in the later years, as children will have a
greater chance of succeeding in school if their developmental needs are tended to earlier.
● Research Design:
○ Descriptive research: naturalistic observations of sensory integration therapy
■ Case studies: individuals at different ages and developmental stages,
reactions to SIT and results of therapy over course of time.
● Operational Definitions:
○ Early age/toddler: 3-4 years old
○ Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT): In the context of elementary OT, the use of
sensory integration techniques that help regulate sensory processing in a OT
session

Logistical Consideration:s
Because the data collection involves observing students currently enrolled in intervention
services, permission must be granted by the staff of Waterloo Elementary School as well as the
students and their families to gather data.
 Timeline of Product Development

Date Item to be completed Further Elaboration

04/01/18 Organize observation notes Finish organizing observation notes from occupational therapy
sessions at internship site.

04/04/18 Create charts of data Finalize creating data charts organizing observation notes and create
excel graph of all collected data for submission.

04/06/18 Write data collection paragraph Organize data, write data collection paragraph and data analysis.

04/09/18 3rd Quarter Hours and Eval to Submit 3rd quarter hours sheet and evaluation form to Mrs. Gates.
Mentor

04/13/18 3rd Quarter Hours and Eval due Turn in signed 3rd quarter hours and evaluation.

04/20/18 Data Collection and Methods Submit data collection and methods paragraph through Canvas.

04/20/18 Abstract due Submit abstract for synthesis paper for editing before display board
completion.

04/27/18 Display board due Submit final, completed display board for presentation at the
Celebration of Excellence.

04/30/18 Coordinate with teachers for Email and request teachers to present in a class for my final research
presentation presentation by May 11th.

05/01/18 Celebration of Excellence Attendance at “thank you” event for mentors, advisors, and parents.

05/05/18 Final Synthesis Paper due Submit Final synthesis paper, including abstract, data collection &
analysis, references, etc.

05/05/18 Send Synthesis Paper to mentor Email synthesis paper to Mrs. Gates.

05/11/18 Final Research Presentation Completion of final research presentation to an academic class by
May 11th.