Evidence-based sensory resource for new school-based OTPs: program development and evaluation

Education is a fundamental childhood occupation, and difficulties in sensory processing can present challenges for children to be successful in the learning environment. Sensory-based interventions (SBI) are widely used in school-based occupational therapy when working with students identified with sensory processing needs following evaluation. Thompson-Hodgetts and Magill-Evans (2018) found that 98% of the pediatric occupational therapy practitioners surveyed who work with children with autism spectrum disorder have used sensory-based strategies with their students. With sensory-based strategies often being utilized with the pediatric population, it is imperative that occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) have access to current, robust research to facilitate evidence-based practice (EBP).