The relationship between family environmental factors and child sensory integration

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between child sensory integration and family environmental factors.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The sample (n = 130) was recruited from children attending the outpatient department of a pediatric hospital located in central part of China. Sensory integration of the child was reported by either parent from using a Chinese version of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test.

Results: Approximately 17.69%-24% of the participating children experienced impairments in different dimensions of sensory integration. Severe impairment occurred in 3%-5% of the participating children. Paternal-child interaction had a significant effect on vestibular function of the child, after controlling for the effect of covariates including maternal obstetric history and low birth weight status of the child. Family functioning was found significantly related to tactile sensation, proprioception. and learning ability of the children.

Conclusions: It appears that family environment plays a significant role in sensory integration outcomes of older children.