#71: A Sensory and Functional Communication Intervention for Students with Sensory Processing Disorder — Presentation Detail — Celebration of Scholars

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Jun Wang
Kim Instenes
John Kirk
Nora Nickels
Andrew Pustina
James Ripley

#71: A Sensory and Functional Communication Intervention for Students with Sensory Processing Disorder

Name: Halle Borree
Major: Psychology & Criminal Justice
Hometown: Appleton, WI
Faculty Sponsor: Dennis Munk
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Senior thesis
Funding: N/A

Abstract

A Sensory and Functional Communication Intervention for Students with Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory processing abilities play an important role in classroom attention and have also been associated with behavioral problems. However, many children are affected due to sensory processing issues, particularly in the classroom setting, and struggle with their ability to process and respond to sensory stimuli. These issues can form a disorder known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) which can cause interference with day-to-day life, including social participation, education, and behavior. The participant of the present study struggled with inattention and behavioral problems due to his sensory processing issues that limited his success in the classroom. Both sensory-based interventions and functional communication training (FCT) have proven useful in improving attention and behavior. The goal of the present study was to increase task engagement along with functional communication ability to target his behavioral problems. Therefore, the study used an adaptation of a sensory-based program integrated with FCT instruction. Results showed an improvement in task engagement and increased functional communication use, which indicated a decrease in problem behavior. A decrease in the additional use of sensory tools also was noted. These findings highlight the importance of functional communication ability for those with sensory issues, as well as the value of applying sensory-based methods in educational classroom settings to target inattention and problem behavior.

Poster file