Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Karen Hebert
Keywords
Sensory-processing, preterm, children, pediatric, developmental delays, family-centered care, caregivers, occupational therapy, outpatient
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
Children who are born preterm frequently experience sensory processing difficulties due to their underdeveloped brains and the atypical early sensory experiences that are associated with increased medical needs. These factors impact the development of a child’s sensory system, which ultimately influences how a child participates in daily activities. Having a child born preterm that requires increased medical attention causes stress on the family. Increased stress and a decrease in mental health can disrupt the parent-child bond. This project aimed to provide sensory-based occupational therapy treatment sessions to children who were born preterm to improve their sensory processing skills. Furthermore, the project focused on meeting the families’ needs as well as incorporating them into the child’s care in order to maximize the outcomes for both the child and their family. The literature and needs assessment for this project indicated a need for sensory-based therapy for this population as well as incorporating families into treatment sessions. Five families completed the 14-week project and on average received 11 sensory-based treatment sessions. Using principles from Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing and the Occupational Performance Coaching Model, this project was considered successful. There was a statistically significant improvement in the participants’ ability to process sensory experiences as reported by their pre- and post-intervention SPM-2 results in the sensory total category. Furthermore, on average families gained a better understanding of their child’s sensory needs and felt supported throughout this project, based on the post-test questionnaire that was completed. These results imply that occupational therapists have a role in providing sensory-based therapy to this population as well as they have the tools to address families’ needs.
Recommended Citation
Buie, Shelby J., "Sensory Processing Difficulties in Children Born Preterm and The Needs of Their Families" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 116.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/116