Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Behavioral States of children with severe disabilities in the multisensory environment
Je'na Tunson1, Catherine Candler
1Je'na's Reliable Services, Longview, Texas, USA.
Insights
Observing behavioral states in children with severe disabilities can offer insights into their experiences. A multisensory environment (MSE) showed varied effects on responsiveness, with one child exhibiting increased engagement.
Area of Science:
- Occupational therapy
- Developmental psychology
- Disability studies
Background:
- Children with severe multiple disabilities often have limited communication methods.
- Understanding their responsiveness is crucial for tailored interventions.
- Multisensory environments (MSEs) are designed to stimulate various senses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate behavioral states and responsiveness in children with severe multiple disabilities.
- To assess the impact of a multisensory environment (MSE) on these behavioral states.
- To explore behavioral state observation as an assessment tool for non-verbal children.
Main Methods:
- A single-system ABAB research design was employed.
- Behavioral states were observed, focusing on alertness and contextual responsiveness.
- Three children aged 3-10 years with severe multiple disabilities participated.
Main Results:
- Two participants showed no significant change in behavioral states with or without the MSE.
- One participant exhibited decreased self-directed movement and increased visual attention towards the MSE.
- This suggests a potential for increased interactive engagement in some individuals within the MSE.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral state observation offers an objective method for occupational therapists to understand children with severe disabilities.
- The impact of a multisensory environment (MSE) on responsiveness can be individual-specific.
- Further research is needed to explore the efficacy of MSEs for this population.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the behavioral states of individual children for evidence of responsiveness within and without a multisensory environment (MSE). Three children in the age range of 3-10 years with severe multiple disabilities participated in the study. A single-system ABAB design was used. Participants' behavioral states, identified by indicators of alertness and responsiveness to context, were observed. Two participants demonstrated no change in their behavioral states with or without the MSE, suggesting that the environment did not have an effect on their responsiveness. One participant demonstrated a decrease in self-directed movement and an increase in visual attention with movement toward the MSE suggesting a more interactive shift in this participant's response to the environment. When symbolic or consistent methods of communication are absent, observation of behavioral state may provide occupational therapists an objective means of insight into the experiences of children with severe disabilities.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:25Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...