Effectiveness of Therapies Treating Sensory Processing Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The prevalence of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder has risen dramatically over recent years. Many of those children suffer from sensory processing disorders (SPD). There is no standardized treatment for this disorder and the therapies available have produced confusing and conflicting results. A search was performed for relevant studies and systematic review articles that researched treatment in this area. Data was extracted and analyzed and then organized with summary conclusions of each paper. Qualitative notes were gathered on the studies and the results of the studies were compared and contrasted. Sensory integration therapy has been shown to produce significant results and most of the conflicting data can be explained scientifically. Research is still required for the duration frequency and rate of therapy. Reviews of other therapies to treat SPD have not shown enough evidence of significant positive outcomes to be recommended. Purpose Statement The purpose of this paper is to gather and analyze research regarding therapies for Sensory Processing Disorder in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This review aims to determine the evidence of such therapies and to inform and educate practitioners regarding outcomes in their use to treat this disorder.