Sensory integration therapy as part of early intervention: a phenomenological study of parental experiences

Abstract

Understanding parents’ perspectives on the therapy process of children receiving sensory integration therapy may contribute to the more effective design of early intervention practices. This qualitative study explored, from a child development perspective, parents’ experiences of recognizing the need for sensory integration therapy, evaluating its effects, and managing its impact on everyday life. Data were collected through face-to-face individual interviews conducted with 17 parents using a semi-structured interview guide. Data management and analysis were conducted without the use of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software. Participants reported facing various challenges in recognizing their children’s need for sensory integration therapy, obtaining a diagnosis, and engaging in the therapy process, while also having to restructure their family lives, parenting roles, and daily routines. The thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that parents’ experiences were organized around five themes: recognizing the need for therapy and the diagnostic process, parents’ expectations of therapy, the therapy process and its effects on the child, parenting experiences and adaptive processes, and accessibility and continuity of therapy. The findings indicate that parents observed positive effects of sensory integration therapy on their children but encountered various difficulties during diagnosis, referral, access to therapy, and continuation of the therapy process. These findings broaden the understanding of parents’ experiences and support needs throughout the sensory integration therapy process. Clinical Trial Number: Not applicable.