Structured Sensory-Based Occupational Therapy in Children With Autism

This controlled clinical study will evaluate the effects of a structured sensory-based occupational therapy intervention on occupational performance, sensory processing, gross motor development, and eating behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder.

A total of 40 children aged 3-9 years with Level 2 autism spectrum disorder will be assigned to a structured sensory-based occupational therapy group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The intervention group will receive 40-minute, face-to-face occupational therapy sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. The sessions will be structured according to each child's sensory and functional needs and will be progressively adapted based on the child's clinical development. The control group will receive individualized home recommendations, which will be monitored weekly using information and visual records provided by caregivers.

Assessments will be performed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Occupational performance and satisfaction will be evaluated using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, sensory processing using the Dunn Sensory Profile, gross motor development using the Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition, and eating behaviors using the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 3-9 years
• Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder according to DSM-5 criteria
• Level 2 autism spectrum disorder
• Residence in Istanbul
• Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of an additional neurological, psychiatric, genetic, or developmental diagnosis
• Regular medication use that may affect study outcomes
• History of epilepsy or seizures
• Inability to participate in the assessment or intervention procedures
• Participation in another structured sensory-based occupational therapy program during the study period