QSC ALD ASI v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring caregiver perception of communication outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities following Ayres Sensory Integration® Intervention: A qualitative study.
IRAS ID
262424
Contact name
Judy Goodfellow
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Tayside
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 10 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) often experience an over- or an under-responsivity to sensory inputs all around us. An over-responsivity to a sensation would cause more of a reaction than would be expected. An under-responsivity means a more intense sensation is needed to register with an individual than is usually expected. People have their own tolerances of a variety of sensory inputs and usually deal with these at an unconscious level to get on with life.
For adults with ID, interactions and social communication are impaired to varying degrees. Being able to attend to and understand interactions with others is key to a good quality of life. When sensory inputs command direct conscious attention; social communication is more difficult.
Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) Intervention is a relatively new treatment available to suitably qualified Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) with little literature focusing on communication outcomes for adults with ID. Most literature comes from Occupational Therapists detailing significant successful work with children with autism. This research is important for adults with ID and autism, of interest to families and among professionals in the field.
This qualitative exploratory study will use audio-recorded telephone interviews with family members/caregiver staff to explore their experiences of engaging socially with their cared-for adults’ following ASI intervention. The research will explore their adults’ uses of language, how they interact socially with people, how they greet, comment, ask for information or reject something. Interviews will explore differences in social communication skills following ASI intervention.
Recruiting will be through social media networks of UK therapists. Therapists trained in Ayres' Sensory Integration Intervention and working with adults with an intellectual disability will be asked to respond. These therapists will have provided the intervention to their patients and could approach potential participants. This self-funded Masters’ project is sponsored by NHS Tayside.
Summary of Results
Thank you to the study participants, the researcher is very appreciative of the time given to this study by a few therapists and participants.
Study title: Exploring caregiver perception of communication outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities following Ayres Sensory Integration® Intervention: A qualitative study.
Who carried out the research? (including details of sponsor, funding and any competing interests) The PI, Judy Goodfellow, carried out the entire study as a requirement of her masters study. NHS Tayside sponsored the study, with R&D approval and full ethical approval through EoSRES 2 ref. No. 20/ES/0015. There was no funding except for access to the MSc modules through the SLT budget for staff CPD. There were no competing interests.
What public involvement there was in the study (how many people, what their relevant lived experience was, and what they did): There were a number of advertising strategies used from a poster shared on social media groups and emails, to messages and reminders in these groups to a short promotional video to encourage recruitment of participants. The study used interview data from four participants who brought lived experience of caring and supporting adults with a learning disability in a variety of roles – parent, college tutor, care provider in a residential setting and a college teacher.
Where and when the study took place: The entire study was remote, between 23/04/2020 and 15/09/2022, through audio recorded telephone consent and interviews.
Why was the research needed?: To the author’s knowledge, no existing research examines communication outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities from ASI® intervention. In the UK growing numbers of therapists with post-graduate training in Sensory Integration work with adults across mental health, intellectual disabilities and the elderly; however, the evidence base for these adult populations requires further studies. ASI® intervention is more usually provided by Occupational Therapists (OTs). According to Ayres’ theoretical underpinnings, there may be gains in aspects of social communication and functional interaction; although these may not be routinely examined through Occupational Therapy outcome measures, and therefore not captured in current literature.
What were the main questions studied?: What type of influence does Ayres' Sensory Integration intervention have over social communication skills for adults with intellectual disabilities?
With the theory, literature and evidence-base around work with children (with and without disabilities) stating interaction and language use is likely to benefit from ASI intervention, finding some evidence to support this in the adult population with intellectual disabilities is an important question for our service and the SLT profession.
Who participated in the study?: The study used interview data from four participants who brought lived experience of caring and supporting adults with a learning disability in a variety of roles – parent, college tutor, care provider in a residential setting and a college teacher.
What treatments or interventions did the participants take/receive?: The participants did not receive any treatment or intervention for the study. They were carers for adults with a learning disability who have, in the least five years, received sensory integration intervention from a suitably trained Ayres’ Sensory Integration (ASI®) therapist.
What medical problems (adverse reactions) did the participants have?: None What happened during the study?: The participants spoke to the researcher for between 40 and 90 minutes on one occasion over the telephone.
What were the results of the study?: All the participants reported improvements in interactions, specifically in their engagement, language use, wellbeing, participation and social interactions. Most of the participants were certain that the changes were due to the therapy and involvement of the therapists. It was evident that the adults with intellectual disabilities who receive this therapy also had many other changes going on as well. Some examples of these changes are other treatments and therapies, or changes in where they are living. All participants reported a reduction in stressed and distressed behaviours following the Ayres’ Sensory Integration® intervention.
How has this study helped patients and researchers?: The aim is to publish this study in the British Journal of Learning Disabilities (BJLD). This will lend support for access to ASI® for adults with a learning disability. This will lend support for SLTs to gain access to funding for CPD in this field. Leading the way for a research focus on the benefits for adults with learning disabilities will encourage further researchers in this area.
Details of any further research planned: The researcher would like to look more closely at the local adult learning disability population who have been through ASI® clinic receiving SLT ASI® intervention.
Where can I learn more about this study?: It is anticipated that the paper will be submitted for publication in the BJLD.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
20/ES/0015
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion