Sensory integration therapy of a six year-old girl: a case study

Abstract

The main problem of the study was formulated as follows: what kind of change was observed during Sensory Integration Therapy in M - a 6 year-old girl? The specific question was whether M`s functioning had changed during the one and a half years of sensory integration therapy in terms of the reactions of vestibular and proprioceptive systems, as well as touch, coordination, muscular tension, hearing, sight, smell, taste, self-control and attention focus. The purpose of the study was to show the potential of SI therapy in terms of improving sensory systems functioning and quality of life of a 6 yearold girl with registration and modulation problems as well as hearing and sight deficiency. To solve the problem clinical observation was used. The child`s behavior during examination and her spontaneous reactions were also observed. The Sensorimotor Skills Questionnaire by Karga was used on the basis of conversation with M`s mother. Data gathered before therapy and after a year and a half of its duration were compared. Therapy consisted mainly of exercises stimulating vestibular and proprioceptive systems, sound discrimination, touch, hearing, sight and smell. After a year and a half of therapy, a significant decrease in the frequency of M’s unfavourable reactions was registered in the areas of touch (χ2=14,45; p=0,0001), proprioception (χ2=10,56; p=0,001), hearing (χ2=7,07; p=0,008) and self-regulation and attention (χ2=8,71; p=0,003). Vomit reactions and tendency to taste uneatable objects disappeared. The girl started to express verbally satisfaction with her progress. A year and a half of SI therapy increased M`s well-being.