SENSORY INTEGRATION AND AUTISM
A Research project Completed by Sharon de la Mare, M.A.
                 Calgary, Alberta June 1989
ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of a specific  program, Vantage Reading (formerly Bonding the Senses) ,(Ross, 1986), on motor function skills of autistic children.  The program was administered to 6 subjects ranging in age from 6 years 8 months to 8 years 4 months.  The mean chronological age was 6 years 3 months.  All of the subjects were independently diagnosed as autistic using DSM III criteria (APA, 1980).  There were 4 males and 2 females.  The subjects were pretested using an adapted form of a sensory integration data collection form developed by Ruth Smith, a physiotherapist with R.E.A.C.H.  This test assessed exploratory behaviours, reach on sight and sound, and motility.  The targeted intervention took place 5 days per week for 1 hour per day, for a 3 month period of time.  Post testing was then done using the same instrument used for the pre-testing.  Pre and post test data was then compared.  In all cases there was a significant increase in responsiveness.

If you wish the pre and post test results email me and I will be happy to forward them to you.