The effects of sensory processing and behavior of toddlers on parent participation: A pilot study

ABSTRACT

Occupational therapists treat children with sensory processing and behavioral concerns, however, little information exists on how these issues affect parent participation. This pilot study examined the sensory processing and behaviors of toddlers with developmental delays and correlated these with parents’ perceived ability to participate in occupations. Correlation analysis (n = 43) revealed weak inverse relationships existed between anxious/depressed, sleep problems, and aggressive behavior in children and parent participation but no predictive nature between these constructs and parent participation in regression analysis. Clinicians can use the results to enhance parent understanding of how child sensory and behavioral differences impact family participation and foster team collaboration.

KEYWORDS:

• Behaviors
• caregivers
• developmental delays
• sensory processing