Occupational therapy support methods valued by parents of children with sensory integration difficulties

Introduction: There are various stressors associated with parenting a child with sensory integration difficulties and although family-centered practice is essential in paediatric occupational therapy, there is limited research focused on the needs of the parent. This study aimed to identify what therapist-parent support methods are valued by South African parents of children with sensory integration difficulties. Methodology: A non-experimental cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. A self-administered online survey was completed by 103 South African parents living in Gauteng province whose children attended occupational therapy for sensory integration difficulties. Results: Most parents (62.14%) reported that they were ‘very satisfied’ with the support they receive from their child’s occupational therapist. The most common therapist-parent support currently in place included electronic communication (72,82%), followed by therapy ‘homework’ (66,99%) and verbal feedback (65.05%) after therapy sessions. The least utilised support included parent support groups (0.97%), parent education seminars (1.94%) and home visits (1.94%). Support methods that were rated the most helpful by participants included parent-therapist consultations or feedback meetings (69.90%), formal reports (62.75%) and electronic communication (60.78%). Conclusion: This paper outlines the importance of using multi-component parent support methods in the context of family-centered care, and presents factors which can guide South African occupational therapists in their selection thereof. Implications for practice: Occupational therapists working with children with sensory integration difficulties should use multi-component support methods to support parents throughout the therapy process. This study provides a comprehensive list of parental support methods that therapists can use when treating children with sensory integration difficulties. Consideration should be given to context and parental preferences when selecting and implementing methods.