Effects of Therapy Cushions on Classroom Behaviors of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVE. We investigated the effects of therapy cushions on the in-seat and on-task behaviors of 2 kindergarten students with autism spectrum disorder during math activities. METHOD. We used a single-subject A-B-A-B-C design across 2 male participants who used chairs during baseline phases (A) and...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:American Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol. 65; no. 2; pp. 152 - 160
Autores principales: Umeda, Caroline, Deitz, Jean
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: American Occupational Therapy Association Mar/Apr2011
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:OBJECTIVE. We investigated the effects of therapy cushions on the in-seat and on-task behaviors of 2 kindergarten students with autism spectrum disorder during math activities. METHOD. We used a single-subject A-B-A-B-C design across 2 male participants who used chairs during baseline phases (A) and cushions during intervention phases (B). We included a choice phase (C) to determine participant seating preferences. Social validity was addressed by assessing teacher and participant seating preferences. Data were graphed and visually analyzed for functionally relevant changes between phases. RESULTS. No clinically relevant changes in the in-seat or on-task behaviors of either participant were observed with cushion use. CONCLUSION. Therapy cushions may not impose sufficient postural demands or provide adequate sensory input to produce behavioral changes. Continued research in this area is needed.