Sensory processing in a child's routines: an exploratory study

Abstract

A child’s participation in daily living activities reveals the way the child processes sensory information. Aims. This study aims identify a child´s potential vulnerabilities in sensory processing of daily living activities. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 187 children aged 8 to 24 months, by using the Routine Sensory Processing Evaluation Scale for children by Lucas, Pereira, and Almeida (2022). We analysed the influence of a child´s personal factors (gender and age) and of parents´ personal and professional factors (age, level of academic qualifications, and professional situation) on a child´s vulnerabilities in sensory processing. Boys and older children seem to exhibit more vulnerabilities in sensory processing. Mothers’ personal and professional variables reflect their greater influence on the assessment of children, when compared to fathers´ variables. Identifying a child´s vulnerabilities in sensory processing allows an early referral to a more comprehensive assessment of sensorial issues, enhancing learning opportunities in her daily routine moments in natural contexts.

Keywords

• Sensory processing disfunction
• Activities of daily life
• Family