Nagwa A Zein El Dein
Menoufia University, Egypt
Title: Effect of a sensory integration program on the development of children with autism
Biography
Biography: Nagwa A Zein El Dein
Abstract
Autism is the most common developmental disorder that causes profound delay in communication, language, cognitive and sensory motor development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a sensory integration program on the development of children with autism. A quasi experimental design (pre and posttest) was used. A convenient sample of 30 autistic children and their mothers were involved. The study was conducted at Nedaa center for auditory impaired children and Gamayet Kayan for mentally retarded children in Cairo. Seven data collection instruments were utilized (biosocial characteristics of children structured interview questionnaire, childhood autism rating scale (CARS), Wechsler intelligence scale for children, autism social skills profile, sensory profile questionnaire, test of visual –auditory perception and assessment of basic language and learning skills tools). The results of this study showed that after three and six months of sensory integration program majority of children had higher scores for social, sensory, communication, motor and perception development. The study concluded that children who received sensory integration program developed higher cognitive, motor, language, social, perception, attention, communication and sensory abilities on posttest. Therefore, this study recommended that sensory integration program should be integrated as a part of pediatric nursing rehabilitation for autistic children.