Jefferson OT Expert Roseann Schaaf Offers Insight into Sensory Integration Disorder in Recent New York Times Article

The New York Times recently published an article entitled “The Disorder Is Sensory; the Diagnosis Elusive” (June 5, 2007), which delves into the complicated and mysterious world of children with sensory integration disorders, Roseann C. Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Vice Chairman of the Department of Occupational Therapy, Jefferson School of Health Professions at Thomas Jefferson University’s Jefferson College of Health Professions, is well-known for her work with autistic and other children with sensory processing dysfunction.  Sensory integration disorder is difficult to diagnose; therefore, treatment is experimental.  As a neuroscientist and an occupational therapist, Schaaf frequently sees young patients with sensory integration disorder in her research laboratory.  The difficulty and frustration of the disorder are very real to children and their families, which is why finding a solution is of the utmost importance to Schaaf and her colleagues. 

In the article, Schaaf and other occupational therapists weigh in on a pending decision by the American Psychiatric Association to include “sensory processing disorder” in its influential guidebook of disorders – the DSM V.  Although the decision is not expected for three or four years, the controversy has already begun.  Schaaf and others hope that it is included in the DSM V so that children and families can obtain and be reimbursed for occupational therapy services that will help their child function better.  Dr. Schaaf notes that more research is need to provided evidence of the effectiveness of this intervention and she challenges occupational therapists to participate in research at any level possible.  This might include referral of subjects to our research laboratory, partnering with us to conduct a study, or completing and advanced degree to conduct independent research. 

Many psychiatrists, pediatricians, family doctors and school officials worry that recognizing sensory integration disorder as a real medical affliction would lead to enormous costs for school districts and insurers paying for therapies that don’t have a large data base of effectiveness studies.   Occupational therapists often use swings, mats, balance balls, blocks and other toys to engage and stimulate or calm children with the disorder.  Many families of children with sensory integration disorder will be the first to tell you that these unconventional therapies do work, and have a profound impact on the lives of their children. 

Schaaf believes that parents are intuitive when it comes to improvement in their child’s behavior due to occupational therapy.  “My experience is that when parents learn about this, they say, ‘Oh, I never thought about it that way — it gives them a whole different way to look at their child’s behaviors.  And parents are pretty savvy; they know pretty quickly if it makes sense.”

To read the New York Times article in its entirety, please visit http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/health/psychology/05sens.html

Contact:
Jacqueline Paquet
215-503-1918
Jacqueline.Paquet@jefferson.edu

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