Effectiveness and usability of the Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool Quick Tips: Data-driven intervention following the use of the SPM-Preschool in an early childhood, multiple-case study

ABSTRACT

This pre- and posttest multiple-case study examined the effectiveness and usability of the Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool Quick Tips (SPM-P QT) by key stakeholders (parents and teachers) for implementing data-driven intervention to address sensory processing challenges. The Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool (SPM-P) was administered as an initial test and retest to evaluate the impact of sensory processing challenges on four preschoolers both at home and at school. Following clinical reasoning, an OT faculty preceptor and OT student researchers used the SPM-P QT, a companion tool to the SPM-P, to guide the selection and implementation of sensory-based strategies by key stakeholders (parents and school staff) for 3½ months. The SPM-P School retest scores revealed more improvements than SPM-P Home retest scores. However upon completion of the study, feedback by both the parents and the school staff who had selected and implemented the SPM-P Quick Tips indicated progress in social participation and in activities of daily living dependent on sensory processing and praxis (such as tooth brushing, feeding, and sleeping). This study supports intervention using the SPM-P QT by key stakeholders following the use of the SPM-P to improve occupational performance in preschool children identified as having sensory processing challenges.

KEYWORDS:

• Sensory processing
• assessment
• sensory-based strategies
• social participation
• data-driven intervention

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Susan Dressler Kalbearer, for her participation, and to the teachers, staff, and parents who made this study possible. The authors are also grateful to David Herzberg, Susan Weinberg, the art department and staff at Western Psychological Services (WPS), the SPM-P authors, Ellen Cohen, and Rick Ruess for their professional assistance.