Daily Life Impacts and Desired Support for Mothers of Children with Sensory Integration Differences, with and Without Autism

Abstract

Highlights What are the main findings? Mothers report that child sensory integration differences have an impact on many aspects of everyday life and relationships, with greater severity in some areas for autistic children. Mothers find positive relationships and media helpful and would like further support for themselves, their children, and greater education of others about sensory integration differences. What are the implications of the main findings? Sensory integration differences and their impact on function and relationships should be considered whether a child has an autism diagnosis or not. Intervention strategies should consider media use and the development of supportive relationships. Abstract Background/Objectives: To address the needs of mothers of children with sensory integration differences, we need a greater understanding of their experience and what they find helpful. This study aimed to explore the impact of child sensory integration differences on daily activities and relationships and to identify the relationships, media, and parent interventions mothers regard as helpful and further support that is desired. It compared perceptions of mothers of autistic and non-autistic children. Methods: A single cohort descriptive observational survey study. Questions were generated from previous in-depth interviews. Results: Mothers of autistic children versus non-autistic children both with sensory integration differences reported greater impact on school and community activities and on some relationships. No differences were observed in factors mothers identified as helpful, such as media resources and relationships. Most mothers in the full cohort reported that child sensory integration differences had a pervasive impact on everyday activities and relationships for both mother and child. Supportive relationships, media, social media, and direct interventions to mothers were helpful. Mothers wanted more practical and emotional support for themselves, education of others, and specialist support for their child. Conclusions: Mothers of children with sensory integration differences identified social and professional relationships, media, and parent intervention as helpful, supporting a variety of intervention strategies.