Annamarie Van Jaarsveld - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Annamarie Van Jaarsveld
The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) are a set of 17 tests that were developed by A. J... more The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) are a set of 17 tests that were developed by A. Jean Ayres during the 1980's and published in 1989 by Western Psychological Services (WPS). The SIPT were developed as diagnostic and prescriptive measuring tools of sensory perception, balance, bilateral coordination, praxis and related measures of the functions of the nervous system that underlie learning and behaviour 1. Originally, using the SIPT was impractical for occupational therapists (OT's) working in South Africa as the scores obtained were mailed to WPS in Los Angeles, US, for computerised scoring. Only once the results were sent back to SA could the OT interpret the scores and make a final decision regarding dysfunction and possible intervention. This was a time consuming and costly process and unrealistic for intervention, especially for a third world country like South Africa (SA). In recent years WPS developed a software program for scoring the SIPT on personal computers. The South African Institute for Sensory Integration (SAISI) is responsible for the training of qualified occupational therapists (OTs), in the use of the measurement instruments for the assessment of sensory integration dysfunctions, as well as the treatment thereof. During March 2006, SAISI entered into negotiations with the directors of WPS in Los Angeles regarding the use of the SIPT in South Africa. The outcomes of these negotiations led to an agreement for the use of the SIPT that would be financially viable for South African OT's. During this negotiation process, the representatives of WPS also encouraged research on the use of the SIPT on the SA children, since the SIPT is currently only standardised on a nationally representative sample of children from the US. The SIPT are currently one of the best researched and scientifically sound measuring instruments for detecting developmental problems based in sensory integration functions 2, 3. PROBLEM STATEMENT There is currently no instrument of the stature of the SIPT, available for measuring sensory integration function that is standardised on South African children. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) guidelines for good practice in the Health Care Professions, general ethical guidelines prescribe that Health Care practitioners should act in the best interests of patients 4 and that includes the use of assessment instruments that have been proven to be fair and just, to the diverse population of SA children. South African Therapists started training on the SIPT during 2006 and this training will be continued by SAISI. The fact remains, that although the SIPT are measuring tools of a very high standard that helps identify sensory integration dysfunctions effectively, it is not yet known how the normative data obtained on a sample of children in the United States of America (US) used in the scoring the SIPT compares to the scores of SA children. Therefore, in order to consider the ongoing use of the SIPT with SA children, further investigation is needed. Comparative analysis will determine whether or not comparison to the US norms is reasonable, or if additional adaptations and/or revisions are required for viable use of the SIPT with SA children. RESEARCH QUESTION This study sought to answer the following question: Is the use of the SIPT with SA children fair and just when using the normative data obtained from US children for comparison when scoring the SIPT? LITERATURE REVIEW The SIPT are the result of more than 50 years of work and research conducted by Dr A, Jean Ayres and other researchers and therapists from around the world. The SIPT contribute to the clinical understanding of children who struggle with irregular behaviour and/or developmental and learning difficulties 3. The tests are, therefore, primarily diagnostic and descriptive tools to assist therapists in the assessment and intervention of children to identify sensory integrative and practic dysfunctions. Ayres defined sensory integration as "the neurological process that organises sensation from one's own body and from the environ
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, Dec 15, 2016
Available literature provides evidence that children with Down syndrome experience difficulties w... more Available literature provides evidence that children with Down syndrome experience difficulties with functions that are largely dependent on sensory integration. Low muscle tone, poor balance and motor planning difficulties have been identified by researchers as factors contributing to poor motor development and performance in children with Down syndrome 1. Chen and Fang 2 found that children with Down syndrome experience sensory deficits, particularly in the areas of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, tactile perception and peripheral hearing. Literature further describes that children with Down syndrome can behave in socially unacceptable manners 3 , the cause of which may be related to difficulties in sensory processing, praxis and related social participation. However, to date, this association has not been investigated.
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, Apr 6, 2011
Owing to the high rate of school failure among the street children of the Thakaneng Shelter in Po... more Owing to the high rate of school failure among the street children of the Thakaneng Shelter in Potchefstroom, South Africa, a study was conducted to determine the neuro-motor, sensory-motor, and cognitive-perceptual developmental status of these children. A descriptive study, using the standardised Quick Neurological Screening Test, the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration and Motor Coordination and the Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills (non-motor)-lower level, was implemented. There were 17 participants in the 6-12 years age group. The findings revealed that sensory-motor and cognitive-perceptual deficits were most dominant, particularly those necessary for school-related tasks and consequently progress at school. The results confirmed the need for an intervention program that would focus on the skills required for school performance.
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, Sep 11, 2014
While patterns of sensory integration (SI) function and dysfunction have been studied in the US f... more While patterns of sensory integration (SI) function and dysfunction have been studied in the US for more than 50 years exploration of whether or not similar patterns exist in cultures and communities outside of that country has been limited, with no studies conducted in South Africa to date. The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the similarities and differences of patterns of SI dysfunction between children in South Africa and those in the US. A quantitative, analytical study was conducted on a convenience sample of 223 children who were identified as experiencing sensory integration difficulties. The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) were used as the measuring instrument and correlation and factor analyses were applied in order to describe similarities and differences. Consistencies in tests loading on patterns of Visuodyspraxia, Somatodyspraxia, Bilateral Integration and Sequencing dysfunctions and Tactile and Visual Discrimination dysfunctions were found. Therefore, this research confirmed similarities in the patterns of dysfunction in children in South Africa and confirmed the value of the SIPT in identifying sensory integration dysfunctions cross-culturally.
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2016
Introduction and aim: Research indicates that premature infants are at risk of neurological abnor... more Introduction and aim: Research indicates that premature infants are at risk of neurological abnormalities and developmental and functional delays during infancy and early childhood. Annually, in South Africa, approximately 15% of infants are born prematurely, the majority being from low socioeconomic homes. Basic needs and survival of the infant take priority over developmental progress of infants. Since developmental progress is dependent on sensory integration, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of developmental and sensory integration difficulties in premature infants in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive, observational study was conducted. Relevant information on medical history and environmental factors were obtained through parent questionnaires. Three standardised assessments, the Bayley III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, the Test of Sensory Function in Infants and the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile, were used. Results: Infants presented with low average to average performance in all developmental subtests. The majority (67.7%) of infants presented with typical sensory seeking behaviour. Sensory processing difficulties were identified in terms of high neurological thresholds resulting in low registration behaviour as well as low neurological thresholds, resulting in sensory sensitivity and sensory avoiding behaviour. This influenced their adaptive motor functions and normal development. Conclusion: Premature infants participating in this research presented with challenges regarding developmental and sensory integration.
South African Medical Journal, Oct 31, 2017
Small-for-gestational-age and extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) premature infants are at increase... more Small-for-gestational-age and extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) premature infants are at increased risk of developmental and cognitive delays, and difficulties in the mother-infant relationship. [1] These infants not only face survival and developmental challenges, [2] but are also at risk of developing sensory integration (SI) difficulties. Their immature, disorganised nervous systems are not ready to process the sensory information bombardment of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), [2] and they are therefore likely to develop at a slower rate than full-term infants. Although advances in perinatal care have improved premature infant survival rates, these infants still experience more neurosensory impairments than full-term infants. [3] The progression of normal SI functions during infancy is essential for optimal development, since most activities in the first 7 years of life are part of the process of organising sensations in the nervous system for adaptive responses. Research indicates that during the first 1 000 days of life (from conception to age 3), children's brains can form 1 000 neural connections per second. A critical window of opportunity is therefore available, and appropriate stimulation from the earliest possible moment could improve cognitive capacity and the chance to live a fuller, more productive life. [4] Sensorimotor organisation occurs through adaptive responses, e.g. babies hear a sound and turn their heads towards the sound. Every child has an inherent drive towards engaging in sensory experiences that will promote SI. The relationship of SI to engagement in daily occupations is well described in the literature, and enables cognitive, motor, social, emotional and body scheme development. [5,6] Ayres [5] explained the SI process as four levels that link the different sensory systems (vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, auditory This open-access article is distributed under Creative Commons licence CC-BY-NC 4.0. Sensory integration intervention and the development of the premature infant: A controlled trial
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2016
Introduction and aim: Research indicates that premature infants are at risk of neurological abnor... more Introduction and aim: Research indicates that premature infants are at risk of neurological abnormalities and developmental and functional delays during infancy and early childhood. Annually, in South Africa, approximately 15% of infants are born prematurely, the majority being from low socioeconomic homes. Basic needs and survival of the infant take priority over developmental progress of infants. Since developmental progress is dependent on sensory integration, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of developmental and sensory integration difficulties in premature infants in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive, observational study was conducted. Relevant information on medical history and environmental factors were obtained through parent questionnaires. Three standardised assessments, the Bayley III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, the Test of Sensory Function in Infants and the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile, were used. Results: Infants presented with low average to average performance in all developmental subtests. The majority (67.7%) of infants presented with typical sensory seeking behaviour. Sensory processing difficulties were identified in terms of high neurological thresholds resulting in low registration behaviour as well as low neurological thresholds, resulting in sensory sensitivity and sensory avoiding behaviour. This influenced their adaptive motor functions and normal development. Conclusion: Premature infants participating in this research presented with challenges regarding developmental and sensory integration.
South African Journal of Science
Background: The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) developed by A. Jean Ayres, are curre... more Background: The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) developed by A. Jean Ayres, are currently one of the best researched and scientifically sound measuring instruments available for detecting developmental problems based on sensory integration functions2,3. There is currently no instrument of the stature of the SIPT, available that is standardised on the South African (SA) population. The question that needed to be answered was whether the use of the SIPT on SA children was fair and just, since the SIPT is standardised on a sample of children from the United States (US). Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive research design was used to investigate equivalency between the US normative data and a sample of typically developing SA children. Findings: This research indicated that 12 of the 17 test items of the SIPT can be scored against the normative sample of US children. There are however five tests within the older age bands (6y 0m – 8y 11m) on which the SA sample of child...
Crouch/Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry and Mental Health, 2014
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2014
This study examined the reliability and validity of the structural section of the Ayres Sensory I... more This study examined the reliability and validity of the structural section of the Ayres Sensory Integration® Fidelity Measure© (ASIFM), which provides a method for monitoring the extent to which an intervention was implemented as conceptualized in studies of occupational therapy using sensory integration intervention methods (OT–SI). We examined the structural elements of the measure, including content of assessment reports, availability of specific equipment and adequate space, safety monitoring, and integration of communication with parents and other team members, such as collaborative goal setting with parents or family and teacher education, into the intervention program. Analysis of self-report ratings by 259 occupational therapists from 185 different facilities indicated that the structural section of the ASIFM has acceptable interrater reliability (r ≥ .82) and significantly differentiates between settings in which therapists reportedly do and do not practice OT–SI (p < .0...
INTRODUCTION Available literature provides evidence that children with Down syndrome experience d... more INTRODUCTION Available literature provides evidence that children with Down syndrome experience difficulties with functions that are largely dependent on sensory integration. Low muscle tone, poor balance and motor planning difficulties have been identified by researchers as factors contributing to poor motor development and performance in children with Down syndrome1. Chen and Fang2 found that children with Down syndrome experience sensory deficits, particularly in the areas of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, tactile perception and peripheral hearing. Literature further describes that children with Down syndrome can behave in socially unacceptable manners3, the cause of which may be related to difficulties in sensory processing, praxis and related social participation. However, to date, this association has not been investigated. Sensory processing, praxis and related social participation of 5-12 year old children with Down syndrome attending educational facilities in Bloem...
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2014
While patterns ofsensory integration (SI) function and dysfunction have been studied in the US fo... more While patterns ofsensory integration (SI) function and dysfunction have been studied in the US for more than 50 years, exploration of whether or not similar patterns exist in cultures and communities outside of this countryhas been limited, with no studies conducted in South Africa to date. The purpose of this paper was to investigate and describe the similarities and differences of patterns of SI dysfunction between children in South Africa and those in the US. A quantitative, analytical study was conducted on a convenience sample of 223 of children who were identified as experiencing sensory integration difficulties. The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) were used as the measuring instrument and correlation and factoranalysis were applied in order to describe similarities and differences. Consistencies in tests loading on patterns of Visuodyspraxia, Somatodyspraxia, BilateralIntegration and Sequencing dysfunctions and Tactile and Visual Discrimination dysfunctions were f...
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2016
Background : Down syndrome is one of the most investigated and well discussed syndromes related t... more Background : Down syndrome is one of the most investigated and well discussed syndromes related to intellectual disability, yet little can be found in literature of the impact that sensory processing difficulties or disorders have on the functioning of individuals with Down syndrome. This study investigated the sensory processing, praxis and related social participation of children with Down syndrome with the purpose of contributing to a better understanding thereof and heightening awareness of the importance of including sensory integration therapy as part of intervention. Method s: The study was conducted by using a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study design. The Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) Home Form was used to collect information regarding the children’s sensory processing, praxis and related social participation. The questionnaire was completed by a parent or caregiver of a child with Down syndrome (n=15). Results : The majority of the children with Down syndr...
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2013
Background : Persons with a high tendency towards anger often abuse substances. When problematic ... more Background : Persons with a high tendency towards anger often abuse substances. When problematic anger interferes with substance abusers’ ability to cope, the occupational therapist plays a vital role in providing opportunities for substance abusers to experience and practice effective ways to deal with their anger. Many substance abusers seem to also have atypical sensory processing patterns. In Occupational Therapy atypical sensory processing is recognized as a domain of concern not only in children, but adults as well. It is against this background that the question was asked whether relations exist between substance abusers' anger behaviour and their sensory processing. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted to describe adult substance abusers' anger behaviour and sensory processing patterns. Adults with substance abuse difficulties admitted to two institutions in Pretoria between 1 October 2008 and 29 May 2009 represented the study population. The ...
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2011
Owing to the high rate of school failure among the street children of the Thakaneng Shelter in Po... more Owing to the high rate of school failure among the street children of the Thakaneng Shelter in Potchefstroom, South Africa, a study was conducted to determine the neuro-motor, sensory-motor, and cognitive-perceptual developmental status of these children. A descriptive study, using the standardised Quick Neurological Screening Test, the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration and Motor Co-ordination and the Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills (non-motor) – lower level was implemented. There were 17 participants in the 6–12 years age group. The findings revealed that sensory-motor and cognitive-perceptual deficits were most dominant, particularly those necessary for school-related tasks and consequently progress at school. The results confirmed the need for an intervention program that would focus on the skills required for school performance. Key words: Street children, developmental status, school failure, sensory-motor deficits, cognitive-perceptual deficits.
Background: The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) developed by A. Jean Ayres, are curr... more Background: The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) developed by A. Jean Ayres, are currently one of the best researched and scientifically sound measuring instruments available for detecting developmental problems based on sensory integration functions 2, 3 . There is currently no instrument of the stature of the SIPT, available that is standardised on the South African (SA) population. The question that needed to be answered was whether the use of the SIPT on SA children was fair and just, since the SIPT is standardised on a sample of children from the United States (US). Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive research design was used to investigate equivalency between the US normative data and a sample of typically developing SA children. Finding: This research indicated that 12 of the 17 test items of the SIPT can be scored against the normative sample of US children. There are however five tests within the older age bands (6y 0m – 8y 11m) on which the SA sample o...
Introduction: Children from under-resourced environments often lack opportunities to engage in se... more Introduction: Children from under-resourced environments often lack opportunities to engage in sensory experiences that support developmental abilities and scholastic performance. “Back to Urth” playgrounds were designed to address the developmental needs of foundation phase learners in under-resourced communities. A 12-week sensory-motor program, based on Ayres Sensory Integration ® (ASI) principles, was developed, and educators were trained to present this program on a “Back to Urth” playground at a rural school in the Free State. This study aimed to determine the effect of the program, on the development of Grade R and Grade 1 learners. Method: Learners from two comparable, no-fee schools were included in this experimental non-randomised pre-test-post-test control group design study. Learners from one school participated in the sensory-motor program on the “Back to Urth” playground (n=40), and learners from the other school served as the control group (n=41). The effect of the pr...
The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) are a set of 17 tests that were developed by A. J... more The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) are a set of 17 tests that were developed by A. Jean Ayres during the 1980's and published in 1989 by Western Psychological Services (WPS). The SIPT were developed as diagnostic and prescriptive measuring tools of sensory perception, balance, bilateral coordination, praxis and related measures of the functions of the nervous system that underlie learning and behaviour 1. Originally, using the SIPT was impractical for occupational therapists (OT's) working in South Africa as the scores obtained were mailed to WPS in Los Angeles, US, for computerised scoring. Only once the results were sent back to SA could the OT interpret the scores and make a final decision regarding dysfunction and possible intervention. This was a time consuming and costly process and unrealistic for intervention, especially for a third world country like South Africa (SA). In recent years WPS developed a software program for scoring the SIPT on personal computers. The South African Institute for Sensory Integration (SAISI) is responsible for the training of qualified occupational therapists (OTs), in the use of the measurement instruments for the assessment of sensory integration dysfunctions, as well as the treatment thereof. During March 2006, SAISI entered into negotiations with the directors of WPS in Los Angeles regarding the use of the SIPT in South Africa. The outcomes of these negotiations led to an agreement for the use of the SIPT that would be financially viable for South African OT's. During this negotiation process, the representatives of WPS also encouraged research on the use of the SIPT on the SA children, since the SIPT is currently only standardised on a nationally representative sample of children from the US. The SIPT are currently one of the best researched and scientifically sound measuring instruments for detecting developmental problems based in sensory integration functions 2, 3. PROBLEM STATEMENT There is currently no instrument of the stature of the SIPT, available for measuring sensory integration function that is standardised on South African children. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) guidelines for good practice in the Health Care Professions, general ethical guidelines prescribe that Health Care practitioners should act in the best interests of patients 4 and that includes the use of assessment instruments that have been proven to be fair and just, to the diverse population of SA children. South African Therapists started training on the SIPT during 2006 and this training will be continued by SAISI. The fact remains, that although the SIPT are measuring tools of a very high standard that helps identify sensory integration dysfunctions effectively, it is not yet known how the normative data obtained on a sample of children in the United States of America (US) used in the scoring the SIPT compares to the scores of SA children. Therefore, in order to consider the ongoing use of the SIPT with SA children, further investigation is needed. Comparative analysis will determine whether or not comparison to the US norms is reasonable, or if additional adaptations and/or revisions are required for viable use of the SIPT with SA children. RESEARCH QUESTION This study sought to answer the following question: Is the use of the SIPT with SA children fair and just when using the normative data obtained from US children for comparison when scoring the SIPT? LITERATURE REVIEW The SIPT are the result of more than 50 years of work and research conducted by Dr A, Jean Ayres and other researchers and therapists from around the world. The SIPT contribute to the clinical understanding of children who struggle with irregular behaviour and/or developmental and learning difficulties 3. The tests are, therefore, primarily diagnostic and descriptive tools to assist therapists in the assessment and intervention of children to identify sensory integrative and practic dysfunctions. Ayres defined sensory integration as "the neurological process that organises sensation from one's own body and from the environ
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, Dec 15, 2016
Available literature provides evidence that children with Down syndrome experience difficulties w... more Available literature provides evidence that children with Down syndrome experience difficulties with functions that are largely dependent on sensory integration. Low muscle tone, poor balance and motor planning difficulties have been identified by researchers as factors contributing to poor motor development and performance in children with Down syndrome 1. Chen and Fang 2 found that children with Down syndrome experience sensory deficits, particularly in the areas of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, tactile perception and peripheral hearing. Literature further describes that children with Down syndrome can behave in socially unacceptable manners 3 , the cause of which may be related to difficulties in sensory processing, praxis and related social participation. However, to date, this association has not been investigated.
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, Apr 6, 2011
Owing to the high rate of school failure among the street children of the Thakaneng Shelter in Po... more Owing to the high rate of school failure among the street children of the Thakaneng Shelter in Potchefstroom, South Africa, a study was conducted to determine the neuro-motor, sensory-motor, and cognitive-perceptual developmental status of these children. A descriptive study, using the standardised Quick Neurological Screening Test, the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration and Motor Coordination and the Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills (non-motor)-lower level, was implemented. There were 17 participants in the 6-12 years age group. The findings revealed that sensory-motor and cognitive-perceptual deficits were most dominant, particularly those necessary for school-related tasks and consequently progress at school. The results confirmed the need for an intervention program that would focus on the skills required for school performance.
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, Sep 11, 2014
While patterns of sensory integration (SI) function and dysfunction have been studied in the US f... more While patterns of sensory integration (SI) function and dysfunction have been studied in the US for more than 50 years exploration of whether or not similar patterns exist in cultures and communities outside of that country has been limited, with no studies conducted in South Africa to date. The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the similarities and differences of patterns of SI dysfunction between children in South Africa and those in the US. A quantitative, analytical study was conducted on a convenience sample of 223 children who were identified as experiencing sensory integration difficulties. The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) were used as the measuring instrument and correlation and factor analyses were applied in order to describe similarities and differences. Consistencies in tests loading on patterns of Visuodyspraxia, Somatodyspraxia, Bilateral Integration and Sequencing dysfunctions and Tactile and Visual Discrimination dysfunctions were found. Therefore, this research confirmed similarities in the patterns of dysfunction in children in South Africa and confirmed the value of the SIPT in identifying sensory integration dysfunctions cross-culturally.
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2016
Introduction and aim: Research indicates that premature infants are at risk of neurological abnor... more Introduction and aim: Research indicates that premature infants are at risk of neurological abnormalities and developmental and functional delays during infancy and early childhood. Annually, in South Africa, approximately 15% of infants are born prematurely, the majority being from low socioeconomic homes. Basic needs and survival of the infant take priority over developmental progress of infants. Since developmental progress is dependent on sensory integration, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of developmental and sensory integration difficulties in premature infants in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive, observational study was conducted. Relevant information on medical history and environmental factors were obtained through parent questionnaires. Three standardised assessments, the Bayley III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, the Test of Sensory Function in Infants and the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile, were used. Results: Infants presented with low average to average performance in all developmental subtests. The majority (67.7%) of infants presented with typical sensory seeking behaviour. Sensory processing difficulties were identified in terms of high neurological thresholds resulting in low registration behaviour as well as low neurological thresholds, resulting in sensory sensitivity and sensory avoiding behaviour. This influenced their adaptive motor functions and normal development. Conclusion: Premature infants participating in this research presented with challenges regarding developmental and sensory integration.
South African Medical Journal, Oct 31, 2017
Small-for-gestational-age and extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) premature infants are at increase... more Small-for-gestational-age and extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) premature infants are at increased risk of developmental and cognitive delays, and difficulties in the mother-infant relationship. [1] These infants not only face survival and developmental challenges, [2] but are also at risk of developing sensory integration (SI) difficulties. Their immature, disorganised nervous systems are not ready to process the sensory information bombardment of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), [2] and they are therefore likely to develop at a slower rate than full-term infants. Although advances in perinatal care have improved premature infant survival rates, these infants still experience more neurosensory impairments than full-term infants. [3] The progression of normal SI functions during infancy is essential for optimal development, since most activities in the first 7 years of life are part of the process of organising sensations in the nervous system for adaptive responses. Research indicates that during the first 1 000 days of life (from conception to age 3), children's brains can form 1 000 neural connections per second. A critical window of opportunity is therefore available, and appropriate stimulation from the earliest possible moment could improve cognitive capacity and the chance to live a fuller, more productive life. [4] Sensorimotor organisation occurs through adaptive responses, e.g. babies hear a sound and turn their heads towards the sound. Every child has an inherent drive towards engaging in sensory experiences that will promote SI. The relationship of SI to engagement in daily occupations is well described in the literature, and enables cognitive, motor, social, emotional and body scheme development. [5,6] Ayres [5] explained the SI process as four levels that link the different sensory systems (vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, auditory This open-access article is distributed under Creative Commons licence CC-BY-NC 4.0. Sensory integration intervention and the development of the premature infant: A controlled trial
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2016
Introduction and aim: Research indicates that premature infants are at risk of neurological abnor... more Introduction and aim: Research indicates that premature infants are at risk of neurological abnormalities and developmental and functional delays during infancy and early childhood. Annually, in South Africa, approximately 15% of infants are born prematurely, the majority being from low socioeconomic homes. Basic needs and survival of the infant take priority over developmental progress of infants. Since developmental progress is dependent on sensory integration, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of developmental and sensory integration difficulties in premature infants in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive, observational study was conducted. Relevant information on medical history and environmental factors were obtained through parent questionnaires. Three standardised assessments, the Bayley III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, the Test of Sensory Function in Infants and the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile, were used. Results: Infants presented with low average to average performance in all developmental subtests. The majority (67.7%) of infants presented with typical sensory seeking behaviour. Sensory processing difficulties were identified in terms of high neurological thresholds resulting in low registration behaviour as well as low neurological thresholds, resulting in sensory sensitivity and sensory avoiding behaviour. This influenced their adaptive motor functions and normal development. Conclusion: Premature infants participating in this research presented with challenges regarding developmental and sensory integration.
South African Journal of Science
Background: The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) developed by A. Jean Ayres, are curre... more Background: The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) developed by A. Jean Ayres, are currently one of the best researched and scientifically sound measuring instruments available for detecting developmental problems based on sensory integration functions2,3. There is currently no instrument of the stature of the SIPT, available that is standardised on the South African (SA) population. The question that needed to be answered was whether the use of the SIPT on SA children was fair and just, since the SIPT is standardised on a sample of children from the United States (US). Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive research design was used to investigate equivalency between the US normative data and a sample of typically developing SA children. Findings: This research indicated that 12 of the 17 test items of the SIPT can be scored against the normative sample of US children. There are however five tests within the older age bands (6y 0m – 8y 11m) on which the SA sample of child...
Crouch/Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry and Mental Health, 2014
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2014
This study examined the reliability and validity of the structural section of the Ayres Sensory I... more This study examined the reliability and validity of the structural section of the Ayres Sensory Integration® Fidelity Measure© (ASIFM), which provides a method for monitoring the extent to which an intervention was implemented as conceptualized in studies of occupational therapy using sensory integration intervention methods (OT–SI). We examined the structural elements of the measure, including content of assessment reports, availability of specific equipment and adequate space, safety monitoring, and integration of communication with parents and other team members, such as collaborative goal setting with parents or family and teacher education, into the intervention program. Analysis of self-report ratings by 259 occupational therapists from 185 different facilities indicated that the structural section of the ASIFM has acceptable interrater reliability (r ≥ .82) and significantly differentiates between settings in which therapists reportedly do and do not practice OT–SI (p < .0...
INTRODUCTION Available literature provides evidence that children with Down syndrome experience d... more INTRODUCTION Available literature provides evidence that children with Down syndrome experience difficulties with functions that are largely dependent on sensory integration. Low muscle tone, poor balance and motor planning difficulties have been identified by researchers as factors contributing to poor motor development and performance in children with Down syndrome1. Chen and Fang2 found that children with Down syndrome experience sensory deficits, particularly in the areas of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, tactile perception and peripheral hearing. Literature further describes that children with Down syndrome can behave in socially unacceptable manners3, the cause of which may be related to difficulties in sensory processing, praxis and related social participation. However, to date, this association has not been investigated. Sensory processing, praxis and related social participation of 5-12 year old children with Down syndrome attending educational facilities in Bloem...
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2014
While patterns ofsensory integration (SI) function and dysfunction have been studied in the US fo... more While patterns ofsensory integration (SI) function and dysfunction have been studied in the US for more than 50 years, exploration of whether or not similar patterns exist in cultures and communities outside of this countryhas been limited, with no studies conducted in South Africa to date. The purpose of this paper was to investigate and describe the similarities and differences of patterns of SI dysfunction between children in South Africa and those in the US. A quantitative, analytical study was conducted on a convenience sample of 223 of children who were identified as experiencing sensory integration difficulties. The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) were used as the measuring instrument and correlation and factoranalysis were applied in order to describe similarities and differences. Consistencies in tests loading on patterns of Visuodyspraxia, Somatodyspraxia, BilateralIntegration and Sequencing dysfunctions and Tactile and Visual Discrimination dysfunctions were f...
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2016
Background : Down syndrome is one of the most investigated and well discussed syndromes related t... more Background : Down syndrome is one of the most investigated and well discussed syndromes related to intellectual disability, yet little can be found in literature of the impact that sensory processing difficulties or disorders have on the functioning of individuals with Down syndrome. This study investigated the sensory processing, praxis and related social participation of children with Down syndrome with the purpose of contributing to a better understanding thereof and heightening awareness of the importance of including sensory integration therapy as part of intervention. Method s: The study was conducted by using a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study design. The Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) Home Form was used to collect information regarding the children’s sensory processing, praxis and related social participation. The questionnaire was completed by a parent or caregiver of a child with Down syndrome (n=15). Results : The majority of the children with Down syndr...
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2013
Background : Persons with a high tendency towards anger often abuse substances. When problematic ... more Background : Persons with a high tendency towards anger often abuse substances. When problematic anger interferes with substance abusers’ ability to cope, the occupational therapist plays a vital role in providing opportunities for substance abusers to experience and practice effective ways to deal with their anger. Many substance abusers seem to also have atypical sensory processing patterns. In Occupational Therapy atypical sensory processing is recognized as a domain of concern not only in children, but adults as well. It is against this background that the question was asked whether relations exist between substance abusers' anger behaviour and their sensory processing. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted to describe adult substance abusers' anger behaviour and sensory processing patterns. Adults with substance abuse difficulties admitted to two institutions in Pretoria between 1 October 2008 and 29 May 2009 represented the study population. The ...
South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2011
Owing to the high rate of school failure among the street children of the Thakaneng Shelter in Po... more Owing to the high rate of school failure among the street children of the Thakaneng Shelter in Potchefstroom, South Africa, a study was conducted to determine the neuro-motor, sensory-motor, and cognitive-perceptual developmental status of these children. A descriptive study, using the standardised Quick Neurological Screening Test, the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration and Motor Co-ordination and the Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills (non-motor) – lower level was implemented. There were 17 participants in the 6–12 years age group. The findings revealed that sensory-motor and cognitive-perceptual deficits were most dominant, particularly those necessary for school-related tasks and consequently progress at school. The results confirmed the need for an intervention program that would focus on the skills required for school performance. Key words: Street children, developmental status, school failure, sensory-motor deficits, cognitive-perceptual deficits.
Background: The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) developed by A. Jean Ayres, are curr... more Background: The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) developed by A. Jean Ayres, are currently one of the best researched and scientifically sound measuring instruments available for detecting developmental problems based on sensory integration functions 2, 3 . There is currently no instrument of the stature of the SIPT, available that is standardised on the South African (SA) population. The question that needed to be answered was whether the use of the SIPT on SA children was fair and just, since the SIPT is standardised on a sample of children from the United States (US). Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive research design was used to investigate equivalency between the US normative data and a sample of typically developing SA children. Finding: This research indicated that 12 of the 17 test items of the SIPT can be scored against the normative sample of US children. There are however five tests within the older age bands (6y 0m – 8y 11m) on which the SA sample o...
Introduction: Children from under-resourced environments often lack opportunities to engage in se... more Introduction: Children from under-resourced environments often lack opportunities to engage in sensory experiences that support developmental abilities and scholastic performance. “Back to Urth” playgrounds were designed to address the developmental needs of foundation phase learners in under-resourced communities. A 12-week sensory-motor program, based on Ayres Sensory Integration ® (ASI) principles, was developed, and educators were trained to present this program on a “Back to Urth” playground at a rural school in the Free State. This study aimed to determine the effect of the program, on the development of Grade R and Grade 1 learners. Method: Learners from two comparable, no-fee schools were included in this experimental non-randomised pre-test-post-test control group design study. Learners from one school participated in the sensory-motor program on the “Back to Urth” playground (n=40), and learners from the other school served as the control group (n=41). The effect of the pr...