The multiple baseline single subject design study with replication across three participants in a public-school setting. The 15-week independent variable will be a direct service occupational therapy intervention, combined with teacher consultations, based on the STAR (Sensory Therapies and Research) Frame of Reference. Frequently measured dependent variables, as the main determinants of change resulting from the intervention, will be student's video-recorded performance in the areas of functional regulation and active participation in the classroom, as rated by a trained observer. Findings of the single subject study will be corroborated via semi-structured interviews with the student participants and their teachers, administration of systematic assessments and Goal Attainment Scaling.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
3
The individualized therapy program will be based on the results of the comprehensive evaluation. Intervention aligns with the STAR Frame of Reference fidelity measure and Ayres Fidelity Measure.
H. Olive Day School
Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States
Repeated Dependent Variable Measurement
Repeated dependent variable measurement will be based on weekly video recorded samples of functional regulation and active participation behaviors in the classroom rated by a trained observer. Each student participant will be videotaped while in the general education classroom for 10 minutes once per week.
Time frame: 5-7 weeks of Baseline and 15 weeks of intervention for a total of up to 22 weeks
Behavior Assessment System for Children-3 (BASC-3)
The Behavior Assessment System for Children -3, as a teacher rating scale, is a tool that measures the student's adaptive and problem behaviors in the school setting. Scores will not be compared but general clinical categories that can be rated as normal, at risk or clinically significant.
Time frame: During first week of baseline and again within a week of completion of 15 weeks of intervention
Short Child Occupational Profile (SCOPE)
The Short Child Occupational Profile is a 25-item word-based occupation-focused assessment that measures components based on the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and was designed to provide a broad overview of a child's occupational participation. Total scores will be between 0 and 57. A higher score will be better, indicating better function.
Time frame: During first week of baseline and again within a week of completion of 15 weeks of intervention
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS)
A therapist who is using the Goal Attainment Scaling method with a student needs to both accurately predict the level of performance at the end of an identified period of time and decide upon what performance will look like in scaled intervals above and below the expected level of goal attainment. The teacher and occupational therapist then will develop the goal attainment follow-up guide in which expected level of achievement for each goal is scaled as zero, and achievement above and below is scaled from -2 to +2, to measure progress following intervention. 0 is expected performance and +2 is much more than expected.
Time frame: During first week of baseline and again within a week of completion of 15 weeks of intervention
Semi-structured interview with teacher
Each participant's main classroom teachers will be interviewed in a semi-structured format to determine gains in perceived competency for supporting the students with sensory processing challenges following the last session of intervention.
Time frame: Within a week of completing 15 weeks of intervention
Semi-structured interview with student
Each student participant will have the opportunity to comment on his or her lived experience in a semi-structured interview following the last session of the intervention.
Time frame: Within a week of completing 15 weeks of intervention
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