Identifying How to Support and Educate Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Difficulties

Abstract

Introduction: There are various stressors associated with parenting a child with sensory integration difficulties, and although family-centered practice is essential in paediatric occupational therapy, there is limited research focused on the needs of the parent. This study aimed to identify; what therapist-parent support methods, and educational content is valued by South African parents. Methodology: A non-experimental cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. A self-administered online survey was completed by 103 South African parents whose children attended occupational therapy for sensory integration difficulties in Gauteng Province. Results: Most parents (62.14%) reported that they were “very satisfied” with the support they receive from their child’s occupational therapist. The most common therapist-parent support method in place was electronic communication (72,82%). The least accessible was parent support groups (0.97%). Support methods that were rated to be the most helpful by participants included parent-therapist consultations or feedback meetings (69.90%), formal reports (62.75%), and electronic communication (60.78%). The results of parents’ perceived helpfulness of the various education topics presented by the therapist did not differ significantly. Conclusion: This research highlights the importance of using multi-component parent support methods in the context of family-centered care, as well as factors that can guide South African occupational therapists in their selection thereof. Acknowledgments Marica Botha, thank you for being an exceptional supervisor. Your passion for the field of Ayres Sensory Integration® and your commitment to excellence have continuously motivated me throughout this journey. I am so grateful to my husband, family, and friends. Thank you for your unconditional love and belief in me. Your support and encouragement have provided me with the strength to persevere through this process. This research report is dedicated to the extraordinary families and devoted therapists who work tirelessly to enhance the lives of children with sensory integration difficulties, without whom this research would not have been possible.