Systematic review of sensory integration therapy for individuals with disabilities: Single case design studies
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerLeong, H. M., Carter, M., & Stephenson, J. (2015). Systematic review of sensory integration therapy for individuals with disabilities: Single case design studies. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 47, 334-351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2015.09.022
This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:
Authors
Abstract
Sensory integration therapy (SIT) is a controversial intervention that is widely used for people with disabilities. Systematic analysis was conducted on the outcomes of 17 single case design studies on sensory integration therapy for people with, or at-risk of, a developmental or learning disability, disorder or delay. An assessment of the quality of methodology of the studies found most used weak designs and poor methodology, with a tendency for higher quality studies to produce negative results. Based on limited comparative evidence, functional analysis-based interventions for challenging behavior were more effective that SIT. Overall the studies do not provide convincing evidence for the efficacy of sensory integration therapy. Given the findings of the present review and other recent analyses it is advised that the use of SIT be limited to experimental contexts. Issues with the studies and possible improvements for future research are discussed including the need to employ designs that allow for adequate demonstration of experimental control.
Bibliography cited by this reference
Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.
Cited bibliography overview
These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 23 Oct 2026 01:01.
- With a DOI
- 60
- Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
- 24
- References with detected author names
- 84 / 85 (98.8%)
- Without detected author names
- 1
- Without a structured title
- 0
- Without a stable identifier
- 13
- References with raw author names still to review
- 0
- References with external metadata lookup issues
- 0
- From DOI or external metadata
- 260
- From validated raw bibliography text
- 0
- Raw names already validated
- 0
- Raw names still to review
- 0
-
Susanne Smith Roley , Zoe Mailloux , Heather Miller-Kuhaneck , Tara J. Glennon (2007). Understanding Ayres sensory integration . Occupational Therapy Practice, 12(7), CE1.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W8396705Crossref OpenAlex
-
Laura R Addison , Cathleen C Piazza , Meeta R Patel , Melanie H Bachmeyer , Kristi M Rivas , Suzanne M Milnes et al. (2012). A COMPARISON OF SENSORY INTEGRATIVE AND BEHAVIORAL THERAPIES AS TREATMENT FOR PEDIATRIC FEEDING DISORDERS . Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45(3), 455-471. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Russell Lang , Mark O’Reilly , Olive Healy , Mandy Rispoli , Helena Lydon , William Streusand et al. (2012). Sensory integration therapy for autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6(3), 1004-1018. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Vivyan Alers (2005). Treating severely traumatised children and adolescents using sensory integration, attachment theory and clinical reasoning . Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 17(2), vi-vii. National Inquiry Services Center (NISC).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Georgina Reynhout , Mark Carter (2011). Evaluation of the efficacy of Social Stories™ using three single subject metrics . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(2), 885-900. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
A. Jean Ayres (1972). Improving Academic Scoresthrough Sensory Integration . Journal of Learning Disabilities, 5(6), 338-343. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
SECTION ON COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE , COUNCIL ON CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES , Michelle Zimmer , Larry Desch , Lawrence D. Rosen , Michelle L. Bailey et al. (2012). Sensory Integration Therapies for Children With Developmental and Behavioral Disorders . Pediatrics, 129(6), 1186-1189. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sarah Devlin , Geraldine Leader , Olive Healy (2009). Comparison of behavioral intervention and sensory-integration therapy in the treatment of self-injurious behavior . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3(1), 223-231. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
A J Ayres (1977). Effect of sensory integrative therapy on the coordination of children with choreoathetoid movements . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 31(5), 291.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W81114025Crossref OpenAlex
-
R E Arendt , W E MacLean , A A Baumeister (1988). Critique of sensory integration therapy and its application to mental retardation . American Journal on Mental Retardation, 92(5), 401–411.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1801211192Crossref OpenAlex
-
Robin P. Goin-Kochel , Barbara J. Myers , Virginia H. Mackintosh (2007). Parental reports on the use of treatments and therapies for children with autism spectrum disorders . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 1(3), 195-209. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
M E Wells , D W Smith (1983). Reduction of self-injurious behavior of mentally retarded persons using sensory-integrative techniques . American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 87(6), 664.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W179154437Crossref OpenAlex
-
Chantal Leemrijse , Onno G Meijer , Adri Vermeer , Herman J Adèr , Sandra Diemel (2000). The efficacy of Le Bon Départ and Sensory Integration treatment for children with developmental coordination disorder: a randomized study with six single cases . Clinical Rehabilitation, 14(3), 247-259. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Judith Giencke Kimball (1988). The emphasis is on integration, not sensory . American Journal of Mental Retardation, 92(5), 401.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W297415850Crossref OpenAlex
-
A. Jean Ayres (1972). Sensory integration and learning disorders .Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1541706048Crossref OpenAlex
-
Roseann Schaaf , Benjamin Leiby , Teal W. Benevides , Joanne Hunt , Elke van Hooydonk , Patricia Faller et al. (2014). Response from Authors to Comments on “An Intervention for Sensory Difficulties in Children with Autism: A Randomized Trial” . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(6), 1489-1491. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Florence Clark , Loree A. Primeau (1988). Obfuscation of sensory integration: A matter of professional predation . American Journal on Mental Retardation, 92(5), 415.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W298542019Crossref OpenAlex
-
Roseann Schaaf , Teal W. Benevides , Zoe Mailloux , Patricia Faller , Joanne Hunt , Elke van Hooydonk et al. (2013). An Intervention for Sensory Difficulties in Children with Autism: A Randomized Trial . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(1), 1493. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Susanne Smith Roley , Erna Imperatore Blanche , Roseann Schaaf (2007). Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration with Diverse Populations .Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W430122577OpenAlex
-
Ayres (1980). Southern California sensory integration test manual – Revised (SCSIT) .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Roseann Schaaf , Erna Imperatore Blanche (2011). Comparison of Behavioral Intervention and Sensory-Integration Therapy in the Treatment of Challenging Behavior . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(10), 1436-1438. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Smith T. (2005). Controversial therapies for developmental disabilities: Fad, fashion, and science in professional practice . Choice Reviews Online, 42(09), 331. American Library Association.OpenAlex
-
A. Jean Ayres , Zoe Mailloux (1981). Influence of Sensory Integration Procedures on Language Development . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 35(6), 383-390. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Olive Healy , Brian M. Hughes , Geraldine Leader , Sarah Devlin (2011). Response to a Letter to the Editors re: “Comparison of Behavioral Intervention and Sensory-Integration Therapy in the Treatment of Challenging Behavior” . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(10), 1439-1441. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
J R Dura , J A Mulick , D Hammer (1988). Rapid clinical evaluation of sensory integrative therapy for self-injurious behavior . Mental Retardation, 26(2), 83.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1505014973Crossref OpenAlex
-
A. Jean Ayres , Zoe Mailloux (1983). Possible Pubertal Effect on Therapeutic Gains in an Autistic Girl . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 37(8), 535-540. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sarah Devlin , Olive Healy , Geraldine Leader , Brian M. Hughes (2011). Comparison of Behavioral Intervention and Sensory-Integration Therapy in the Treatment of Challenging Behavior . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(10), 1303-1320. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Richard L. Simpson , Sonja R. de Boer-Ott (2005). Autism spectrum disorders: Interventions and treatments for children and youth . Autism spectrum disorders: Interventions and treatments for children and youth.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1524048616Crossref OpenAlex
-
Grace T. Baranek (2002). Efficacy of Sensory and Motor Interventions for Children with Autism . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32(5), 397-422. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Deborah Preston , Mark Carter (2009). A Review of the Efficacy of the Picture Exchange Communication System Intervention . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(10), 1471-1486. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Alan E. Kazdin (1982). Single-case research designs: Methods for clinical and applied settings .Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1533171997Crossref OpenAlex
-
Anne B. Blakeney , L. Randy Strickland , Jane H. Wilkinson (1983). Exploring Sensory Integrative Dysfunction in Process Schizophrenia . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 37(6), 399-406. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kristen L. Hess , Michael J. Morrier , L. Juane Heflin , Michelle L. Ivey (2008). Autism Treatment Survey: Services Received by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Public School Classrooms . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(5), 961-971. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kimberly J. Vannest , John L. Davis , Richard Parker (2013). Single case research in schools: Practical guidelines for school-based professionals .Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1540631499Crossref OpenAlex
-
Jane Case-Smith , Teresa Bryan (1999). The Effects of Occupational Therapy With Sensory Integration Emphasis on Preschool-Age Children With Autism . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53(5), 489-497. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jane Case-Smith , Heather Miller (1999). Occupational Therapy With Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53(5), 506-513. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kathleen C. Thomas , Joseph P. Morrissey , Carolyn McLaurin (2007). Use of Autism-Related Services by Families and Children . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(5), 818-829. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jane Case-Smith , Lindy L Weaver , Mary A Fristad (2015). A systematic review of sensory processing interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders . Autism, 19(2), 133-148. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Robin Schaffer (1984). Sensory Integration Therapy with Learning Disabled Children: A Critical Review . Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51(2), 73-77. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Cermak (2001). The effects of deprivation on processing, play, and praxis .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Robert H. Horner , Edward G. Carr , James Halle , Gail McGee , Samuel Odom , Mark Wolery (2005). The Use of Single-Subject Research to Identify Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education . Exceptional Children, 71(2), 165-179. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Geraldine Dawson , Renee Watling (2000). Interventions to Facilitate Auditory, Visual, and Motor Integration in Autism: A Review of the Evidence . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(5), 415-421. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Dido Green , Lindsay Beaton , Denise Moore , Lin Warren , Vanessa Wick , J Ellen Sanford et al. (2003). Clinical Incidence of Sensory Integration Difficulties in Adults with Learning Disabilities and Illustration of Management . British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(10), 454-463. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Tracy Davidson , Brian Williams (2000). Occupational Therapy for Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Study of the Effectiveness of a Combined Sensory Integration and Perceptual-Motor Intervention . British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(10), 495-499. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Keith J. Hyatt , Jennifer Stephenson , Mark Carter (2009). A Review of Three Controversial Educational Practices: Perceptual Motor Programs, Sensory Integration, and Tinted Lenses . Education and Treatment of Children, 32(2), 313-342. Project MUSE.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Theodore P. Hoehn , Alfred A. Baumeister (1994). A Critique of the Application of Sensory Integration Therapy to Children with Learning Disabilities . Journal of Learning Disabilities, 27(6), 338-350. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Dunn (1999). Sensory profile manual .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Scott M. Myers , Chris Plauché Johnson , the Council on Children With Disabilities (2007). Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders . Pediatrics, 120(5), 1162-1182. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Han Ming (Daniel) Leong *Autistic author. Learn more… , Mark Carter (2008). Research on the Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy: Past, Present and Future . Australasian Journal of Special Education, 32(1), 83-99. Cambridge University Press (CUP).Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/10300110701842653Crossref OpenCitations
-
Diane Gielow , Ronald C. Hobler (1986). Sensory Integration Activity in Nursing Home Residents' Cognitions, Affect, Self-Esteem and Behavior . Perceptual and Motor Skills, 62(2), 637-638. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Laurette J. Olson , Heather J. Moulton (2004). Use of Weighted Vests in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice . Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics, 24(3), 45-60. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Rosalind Urwin , Claire Ballinger (2005). The Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Therapy to Improve Functional Behaviour in Adults with Learning Disabilities: Five Single-Case Experimental Designs . British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(2), 56-66. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kenneth Ottenbacher (1982). Sensory Integration Therapy: Affect or Effect . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 36(9), 571-578. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Vanessa A. Green , Keenan A. Pituch , Jonathan Itchon , Aram Choi , Mark O’Reilly , Jeff Sigafoos (2006). Internet survey of treatments used by parents of children with autism . Research in Developmental Disabilities, 27(1), 70-84. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Han Ming (Daniel) Leong *Autistic author. Learn more… , Mark Carter , Jennifer Stephenson (2015). Meta-analysis of research on sensory integration therapy for individuals with developmental and learning disabilities . Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 27(2), 183-206. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
-
Han Ming (Daniel) Leong *Autistic author. Learn more… , Mark Carter (2008). Research on the Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy: Past, Present and Future . Australasian Journal of Special Education, 32(1), 83-99. Cambridge University Press (CUP).
-
*Hill (1995). Treating self-injurious and self-stimulatory behaviors with sensory integration: A comparison with communication training .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Karen A Pettit (1987). Sensory Integration and Ego Development in a Schizophrenic Adolescent Male . Occupational Therapy In Health Care, 4(2), 87-100. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Lucy Jane Miller , Marie E. Anzalone , Shelly J. Lane , Sharon Cermak , Elizabeth T. Osten (2007). Concept Evolution in Sensory Integration: A Proposed Nosology for Diagnosis . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 135-140. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Susan Ann Mason , Brian A. Iwata (1990). ARTIFACTUAL EFFECTS OF SENSORY‐INTEGRATIVE THERAPY ON SELF‐INJURIOUS BEHAVIOR . Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 23(3), 361-370. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
*Joosten (2001). Combining occupational therapy based on sensory integration principles with behaviour and communication strategies as an effective intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Sadako Vargas , Gregory Camilli (1999). A Meta-Analysis of Research on Sensory Integration Treatment . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53(2), 189-198. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
L. Diane Parham , Susanne Smith Roley , Teresa A. May-Benson , Jane Koomar , Barbara Brett-Green , Janice P. Burke et al. (2011). Development of a Fidelity Measure for Research on the Effectiveness of the Ayres Sensory Integration ® Intervention . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(2), 133-142. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kaiser (2007). Efficacy of sensory learning program as treatment modality for complex PTSD .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Tami M. Linderman , Katherine B. Stewart (1999). Sensory Integrative–Based Occupational Therapy and Functional Outcomes in Young Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders: A Single-Subject Study . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53(2), 207-213. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Line Robichaud , Réjean Hébert , Johanne Desrosiers (1994). Efficacy of a Sensory Integration Program on Behaviors of Inpatients With Dementia . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 48(4), 355-360. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Susan H. Lin , Sharon Cermak , Wendy J. Coster , Laurie Miller (2005). The Relation Between Length of Institutionalization and Sensory Integration in Children Adopted From Eastern Europe . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59(2), 139-147. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Teresa A. May-Benson , Jane A. Koomar (2010). Systematic Review of the Research Evidence Examining the Effectiveness of Interventions Using a Sensory Integrative Approach for Children . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64(3), 403-414. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Lucy Jane Miller , Joseph R. Coll , Sarah A. Schoen (2007). A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of the Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy for Children With Sensory Modulation Disorder . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 228-238. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (2000). Report of the MADSEC autism task force .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Kenneth Ottenbacher (1982). Patterns of Postrotary Nystagmus in Three Learning-Disabled Children . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 36(10), 657-663. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Renee Watling , Jean Dietz (2007). Immediate Effect of Ayres’s Sensory Integration–Based Occupational Therapy Intervention on Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(5), 574-583. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
L. Diane Parham , Ellen S. Cohn , Susan Spitzer , Jane A. Koomar , Lucy Jane Miller , Janice P. Burke et al. (2007). Fidelity in Sensory Integration Intervention Research . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 216-227. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sinclair A. Smith , Bracha Press , Kristie P. Koenig , Moya Kinnealey (2005). Effects of Sensory Integration Intervention on Self-Stimulating and Self-Injurious Behaviors . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59(4), 418-425. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
National Autism Center (2009). National standards report .Type: OtherCrossref
-
(2001). Educating children with autism . Educating children with autism.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Lee D. Williames , Christine R. Erdie-Lalena (2009). Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine . Pediatrics In Review, 30(12), e91-e93. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Perry (2003). Evidence-based practices for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Review of the literature and practice guide . Evidence-based practices for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Review of the literature and practice guide.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Pollock (2009). Sensory integration: A review of the current state of the evidence . Occupational Therapy Now, 11, 6.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Roberts (2011). A review of the research to identify the most effective models of practice in early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Steven C. Hayes (1983). Single-case research designs: Methods for clinical and applied settings . Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 14(1), 81. Elsevier BV.OpenAlex
-
Jacqueline Roberts , Margot Prior , David Trembath (2006). A Review of the Research to Identify the Most Effective Models of Practice in Early Intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders . PsycEXTRA Dataset. American Psychological Association (APA).OpenAlex
-
Tristram Smith , Daniel W. Mruzek , Dennis Mozingo (2005). Sensory Integrative Therapy . In Controversial Therapies for Developmental Disabilities (pp. 353-372). Routledge.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Margot Prior , Jacqueline Roberts , Sylvia Rodger , Katrina Williams , Rebecca Sutherland (2011). A Review of the Research to Identify the Most Effective Models of Practice in Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders . PsycEXTRA Dataset. American Psychological Association (APA).OpenAlex
-
Wilbarger (1991). Sensory defensiveness in children aged 2–12: An intervention guide for parents and other caretakers.Type: OtherCrossref