An exploration of sensory behaviours of preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: the effect of deep touch pressure on regulating behaviour and occupational performance

Abstract

This project completed a review of the literature to explore and gain an understanding of the sensory behaviours of preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The literature review provided the evidence to support the researcher’s project, highlighting how difficulties with sensory processing can present and affect the daily occupations and engagement opportunities of preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A separate review of the literature surrounding the use of Sensory Integration with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder was also completed by the researcher. This review used Sensory Integration theory as a frame of reference to support the development of the resource. To support the resource the researcher aimed to gain an understanding of the effects of deep touch pressure, a subcategory of Sensory Integration, on preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and how the application of this intervention can be calming and regulating. The resource development plan looks at the implementation of a narrated PowerPoint for parents and preschool staff who work with children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The narrated PowerPoint consists of a synthesis of the literature review. It will also contains a synthesis and explanation of the effects of deep touch pressure on regulating behavior to increase opportunities and abilities in occupational performance. The development of the resource provides an overview of the theoretical support and need for this parent and preschool staff based intervention. The development plan also provides an overview of areas needed to implement the resource, such as the aim and objectives, stakeholders of the project, resources required to complete the project and barriers the researcher faced during the project.