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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Sensory-Based Approaches in Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Influences on Occupational
Sandra Thompson-Hodgetts1, Joyce Magill-Evans2
1Sandra Thompson-Hodgetts, PhD, OT, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; sandra.hodgetts@ualberta.ca.
Objective:
We investigated factors that influenced occupational therapists' beliefs about and use of sensory-based approaches for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Method:
Occupational therapists working with children with ASD (N = 211 from 16 countries) completed an online survey addressing their work experience, training, use of sensory-based approaches, and beliefs and perceptions about the effects of the approaches. Linear regression was used to determine predictors of use of and beliefs about sensory-based approaches.
Results:
Most respondents (98%) used sensory-based approaches for children with ASD and would recommend the approaches for 57% of the children they treated. Having a mentor who promoted sensory-based approaches and practicing outside North America and Australia predicted greater use and perceived effectiveness of these approaches. Less than 5 yr of occupational therapy experience predicted less use of the approaches.
Conclusion:
Respondents selectively used sensory-based approaches for children with ASD and were influenced by country of residence, clinical experience, and mentorship.
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