Effects of Therapy Cushions on Classroom Behaviors of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Published in: The American journal of occupational therapy Vol. 65; no. 2; pp. 152 - 159
• Main Authors: Umeda, Caroline, Deitz, Jean
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Occupational Therapy Association 01.03.2011; American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc
• Subjects: Applied Behavior Analysis; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Autistic children; Autistic spectrum disorders; Behavior; Behavior change; Behavior Control - methods; Behavioral health care; Care and treatment; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive - rehabilitation; Child, Preschool; Children; Classroom behaviour; Classrooms; Diagnosis; Educational Environment; Health aspects; Humans; Individualized Education Programs; Individualized Instruction; Interior Design and Furnishings; Kindergarten; Kindergarten students; Language Acquisition; Learner Engagement; Male; Mathematics Activities; Mathematics education; Mathematics teachers; Men; Occupational therapy; Preferences; Preschool Children; Preschool education; Schools; Seating; Sensory perception; Services; Special education; Special Needs Students; Student behavior; Task Performance and Analysis; Teachers; Teaching Methods; Therapists; United States
• ISSN: 0272-9490; 1943-7676
• DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2011.000760

OBJECTIVE. We investigated the effects of therapy cushions on the in-seat and on-task behaviors of 2 kindergarten students with autism spectrum disorder during math activities. METHOD. We used a single-subject A–B–A–B–C design across 2 male participants who used chairs during baseline phases (A) and cushions during intervention phases (B). We included a choice phase (C) to determine participant seating preferences. Social validity was addressed by assessing teacher and participant seating preferences. Data were graphed and visually analyzed for functionally relevant changes between phases. RESULTS. No clinically relevant changes in the in-seat or on-task behaviors of either participant were observed with cushion use. CONCLUSION. Therapy cushions may not impose sufficient postural demands or provide adequate sensory input to produce behavioral changes. Continued research in this area is needed.