The use of sensory stimulations for children with behavioural and emotional problems : a systematic review

Background: the origin of behavioural and emotional problems of children is sensory based. Sensory stimulation intervention, therefore, is a common interventions used to address behavioural and emotional problems. However, the types of stimulations and intervention programmes used have not been systematically examined. The mechanism on how the different stimulations work is also not clear. A systematic review is required to identify the most effective sensory stimulation interventions applied to overcome behavioural and emotional issues among children. The mechanism on how the stimulations work will also be explored. The result of this systematic review will allow occupational therapists to select the best sensory stimulation treatment for children with behavioural and emotional problems. Method: a database search will be conducted through OT Seeker, Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, Embase, PsyINFO and CINAHL with the key terms used "sensory Integration" or "sensory stimulation" or "sensory stimuli" and "children" or "child*" and "behave*" or "stereotypical" or "emotion". The range of literature in this review will be widely search from all years to the current year. Discussion/Outcome: this presentation will discuss the literature that exists on sensory stimulation interventions. In addition it will make recommendations for occupational therapy clinical practice. Conclusion: understanding the evidence of sensory stimulation interventions is essential to evidence-based occupational therapy practice. This presentation will be of interest to paediatric occupational therapists in addition to occupational therapy educators.