Volume 27, Issue 131, January 2023

Survey of the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sensory processing disorders in special educators

Pranjal Grover¹, Ajit Dabholkar²

¹TMV's Lokmanya Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
²School of Physiotherapy, D Y Patil University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition which affects the way brain processes sensory information. It impacts social and classroom performance. Special educators may be important stakeholder in identification and management of SPD's. Methods: An online KAP questionnaire was designed to understand awareness of SPD's in special educators. The face and content validation was done by 5 subject experts. 108 special educators participated in this study. Results: Only 35% of the special educators were aware of SPD's through curriculum for special education. Many were unsure of the presentation of SPD's. 54% agreed that SPD's may affect academic performance. 42% were unaware that sensory integration therapy is practiced by neurophysiotherapists. 88% agreed communication between therapists and special educators will lead to better outcomes. Conclusions: Most of the special educators had a basic idea of SPD's but lacked detailed knowledge. They perceived that a child's behavior and performance may be influenced by the environment. There is need for an integrated approach for treatment of SPD's.

Keywords: Sensory Processing Disorders, Special Educators, Neurophysiotherapy

Medical Science, 2023, 27, e56ms2664

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v27i131/e56ms2664

Published: 18 January 2023