COMPARING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SENSORY INTEGRATION THERAPY AND FINE MOTOR THERAPY ON ENHANCING FINE MOTOR SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Authors

  • Tayyaba Khan MS Rehabilitation sciences (Superior University Lahore) Author
  • M Naveed Babur Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University Lahore , Pakistan. Author
  • Areesha Shahbaz BS Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore). Demonstrator at The University of Lahore, Pakistan. Author
  • Ambreen Sadaf BSOT, MS in Clinical Psychology (The University of Lahore), Lecturer Superior University Lahore, Pakistan. Author
  • Areej Asmat BS Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore, Founder and Director Mindfit Therapy Center, Pakistan. Author
  • Esha Rana BS Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore), Occupational Therapist at Rehab Cure Therapy Center, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/9mze7854

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fine Motor Skills, Fine Motor Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Sensory Integration Therapy, Sensory Processing

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in communication, social interaction, and motor function. Fine motor delays are frequently observed in children with ASD and can significantly interfere with self-care, academic tasks, and daily independence. Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) has emerged as a complementary approach within occupational therapy to address sensory processing issues linked with motor difficulties. Despite its increasing use, there remains limited comparative research assessing the added value of SIT when combined with conventional Fine Motor Therapy (FMT).

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Fine Motor Therapy alone versus Sensory Integration Therapy combined with Fine Motor Therapy in enhancing fine motor skills among children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 42 children aged 3 to 6 years, diagnosed with ASD based on DSM-5 criteria. Participants were selected through systematic probability sampling and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (SIT+FMT, n = 21) or a control group (FMT only, n = 21). Both groups received three therapy sessions per week for eight consecutive weeks. Interventions were administered individually by trained occupational therapists. Fine motor outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Fine Motor Skills Checklist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Post-intervention, the experimental group showed a 20% improvement in mean fine motor scores (from 138.4 to 165.7), whereas the control group improved by 10% (from 140.2 to 148.3). Statistically significant improvements were observed in tasks such as gripping, cutting, buttoning, and name writing among children in the SIT+FMT group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Integrating Sensory Integration Therapy with Fine Motor Therapy significantly enhances fine motor outcomes in children with ASD compared to motor therapy alone. These findings advocate for incorporating sensory-based strategies into pediatric occupational therapy protocols to better support functional development.

Author Biographies

  • Tayyaba Khan , MS Rehabilitation sciences (Superior University Lahore)

    MS Rehabilitation sciences (Superior University Lahore), Bs Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore), Occupational Therapist at Cynosure groups, Maldives

  • M Naveed Babur, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University Lahore , Pakistan.

    Dean Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Areesha Shahbaz, BS Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore). Demonstrator at The University of Lahore, Pakistan.

    BS Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore). Demonstrator at The University of Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Ambreen Sadaf, BSOT, MS in Clinical Psychology (The University of Lahore), Lecturer Superior University Lahore, Pakistan.

    BSOT, MS in Clinical Psychology (The University of Lahore), Lecturer Superior University Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Areej Asmat, BS Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore, Founder and Director Mindfit Therapy Center, Pakistan.

    BS Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore, Founder and Director Mindfit Therapy Center, Pakistan.

  • Esha Rana, BS Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore), Occupational Therapist at Rehab Cure Therapy Center, Pakistan.

    BS Occupational Therapy (The University of Lahore), Occupational Therapist at Rehab Cure Therapy Center, Pakistan.

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Published

2025-04-21