Sensory processing disorder in children ages birth-3 years born prematurely: a systematic review

Authors

Anita Witt Mitchell, Anita Witt Mitchell, PhD, OTR, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Department, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; amitchell@uthsc.edu.
Elizabeth M. Moore, Elizabeth M. Moore, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Signature Healthcare at St. Francis, Memphis, TN; At the time of the study, Elizabeth Moore, Emily Roberts, Kristen Hachtel, and Melissa Brown were Students, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN.
Emily J. Roberts, Emily J. Roberts, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Regional One Health, Memphis, TN.
Kristen W. Hachtel, Kristen W. Hachtel, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, First Choice Speech and Occupational Therapy, Hernando, MS.
Melissa S. Brown, Melissa S. Brown, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Methodist Healthcare South Hospital, Memphis, TN.

Abstract

This systematic review of multidisciplinary literature synthesizes evidence of the prevalence and patterns of sensory processing disorder (SPD) in children ages birth-3 yr born preterm. Forty-five articles including physiological, behavioral, temperament, and SPD research met the inclusion criteria and provided 295 findings related to SPD-130 (44%) positive (evidence of SPD) and 165 (56%) negative (no evidence of SPD). The majority of findings related to sensory modulation disorder (SMD; 43% positive). The most prevalent subcategory of SMD was sensory overresponsivity (82% of findings positive). Evidence of sensory underresponsivity and sensory-seeking SMD, sensory discrimination disorder, and sensory-based motor disorder was limited. This study supports the education of neonatologists, pediatricians, and caregivers about the symptoms and potential consequences of SPD and helps justify the need for follow-up screening for SPD in children ages birth-3 yr born preterm. Research using measures based on sensory processing theory is needed.

Publication Title

The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association

Recommended Citation

Mitchell, Anita Witt; Moore, Elizabeth M.; Roberts, Emily J.; Hachtel, Kristen W.; and Brown, Melissa S., "Sensory processing disorder in children ages birth-3 years born prematurely: a systematic review" (2015). Loewenberg College of Nursing Faculty Publications. 148.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/lcon-facpubs/148