EXPLORING THE HIERARCHY OF SENSORY MODULATION: A STRUCTURED LOOK WITHIN AND ACROSS CATEGORIES

Abstract

The ability to understand, modulate, and respond to sensory information is called sensory Processing. It is crucial for the smooth functioning and performance of daily living activities of children. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and hierarchy of sensory modulation patterns and evaluate sensory domains regarding hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, and sensory craving. A quantitative research approach using a survey method was implemented to examine the occurrence of sensory issues among a varied group of children. Therapists of children diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder were asked to provide data on a 5-point Likert scale across five categories: tactile, olfactory, oral, auditory, visual, and vestibular. The developed tool, Sensory Dysfunction Inventory (SDI) scale, was validated by three relevant experts, with the collected data showing a high reliability coefficient of .933. The Sensory Dysfunction Inventory (SDI) scale, designed to assess the presence and degree of a child's hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, and their ability to perceive and discriminate sensory information. The sample consisted of 126 children, with girls making up a smaller portion (n=36, 18.6%) than boys (n=90, 81.4%). The tactile domain was reported as highest, with a mean of 40.48, in the context of occurrence among children with Sensory Processing disorder. The results of the study demand an individualized and therapeutic plan.