Long-Term Impact of an Occupational Therapy Intervention for Children With Challenges in Sensory Processing and Integration

Abstract Importance: Research is limited regarding parent–caregiver perspectives of occupational therapy (OT) intervention for children with challenges in sensory processing and integration and whether changes immediately following OT intervention are sustained over time. Objective: To evaluate whether changes in identified goals are maintained following OT intervention and to determine what aspects of OT intervention parents–caregivers perceive to be most valuable. Design: A mixed-methods research design. Setting: A large midwestern pediatric hospital, with follow-up telephone interviews with parents–caregivers. Participants: Sixteen children with sensory challenges and their parents–caregivers. Intervention: Children participated in 1-hr OT intervention sessions, 3 days per wk, for 6 to 7 wk. Parents–caregivers of children who completed OT intervention were interviewed via the telephone 6 to 12 mo after the intervention. Outcomes and Measures: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) were used to determine whether changes were made and sustained over time. Qualitative data on caregiver perceptions of OT intervention were collected via open-ended questions during phone interviews. COPM and GAS scores before intervention were statistically significant compared with scores immediately following intervention and at 6- to 12-mo follow-up. Five themes emerged from the qualitative data. Conclusions and Relevance: Children with sensory challenges made significant changes related to occupational performance following OT intervention, and goal achievement was sustained over time. Parents–caregivers valued many aspects of the OT program, including the increased frequency of therapy services, the occupational therapist’s advanced knowledge and skills, and the education and information provided during the program. Plain-Language Summary: This study supports the results of previous studies on OT intervention for children with challenges in sensory processing and integration. The study also adds to the body of knowledge that shows that changes and progress toward goals that result from skilled OT intervention can be sustained over time. The study showed that children participating in OT intervention made statistically significant changes while receiving OT services and maintained progress after intervention ended; however, the children did not continue to make significant progress toward goals once skilled OT services ended. Parents and caregivers of children with sensory challenges reported that they found OT intervention to be beneficial. Other important factors influencing the effectiveness of OT intervention that were identified by parents–caregivers included the education provided by the occupational therapist, the increased frequency of therapy services, and the increased knowledge and skills of the occupational therapists who provided the intervention.