Supporting Children with Sensory Integration Challenges and Their Families: A Sensory Integration Decision Guide

Background: Children and youth often have challenges processing and integrating sen-sory information. Such challenges are increasingly common and can significantly impact development, learning, behavior, well-being and participation in everyday activities. Parents and caregivers frequently seek referrals to address these challenges. Thus, we offer evidence-based assessment and intervention information and guidance to primary care providers supporting these children and their families. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature to extract information on 1) key features of sensory in-tegration challenges; 2) potential impact of these challenges on development, learning, and behavior; and 3) the process of making referrals for appropriate, evidence-based services. Results: We identified commonly reported areas of concern linked to sensory responsivity, sensory perception, and sensory-motor functions and generated critical considerations for identifying appropriate, evidence-based services. We used these find-ings to develop a Sensory Integration Decision Guide. Conclusions: The Sensory Integration Decision Guide provides primary care providers with a systematic process for detecting sensory integration challenges and referring to specialized occupational therapy services. Through informed clinical decision-making, this guide offers supports that will facilitate the well-being and participation in everyday activities for these children. Future studies will need to determine the benefit of this tool for professionals in primary care.