The Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) Versus Nonspecific Child-Guided Brushing: A Case Study

Therapeutic interventions with a somatosensory component, such as deep pressure brushing or joint compressions, have been suggested for use with children with sensory modulation disorders (Royeen & Lane, 1991 Royeen, C. and Lane, S. 1991. “Tactile processing and sensory defensiveness”. In Sensory integration: Theory and practice, Edited by: Fisher, A., Murray, E. and Bundy, A. 108–133. Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company. A. (Eds [Google Scholar]; Wilbarger & Wilbarger, 2001 Wilbarger, P. and Wilbarger, J. 2001. Sensory defensiveness: A comprehensive treatment approach, Van Nuys, CA: Aventi Educational Programs. [Google Scholar]). This case study describes the use of brushing as an intervention technique with two children with autism. One participant was administered the deep pressure proprioceptive technique, and the other participant utilized a nonspecific brushing program with the frequency guided by indicators from the child. Both children demonstrated improvements as indicated by school function assessment pre and post scores. The outcomes support the use of brushing in general as an intervention strategy to promote the development, participation, and occupational performance of a child with autism spectrum disorder and sensory defensiveness.