Schaaf Research

Schaaf, R. C., Benevides, T., Mailloux, Z., Faller, P., Hunt, J., van Hooydonk, E., ... & Kelly, D. (2014). An intervention for sensory difficulties in children with autism: A randomized trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(7), 1493-1506.

This randomized trial compared a manualized occupational therapy intervention that follows Ayres sensory integration principals to usual care for treating sensory difficulties in children with autism, ages 4-8. Children in the treatment group had significantly higher gains than the usual care group in meeting functional goals (as measured by the Goal Attainment Scale), needing less caregiver assistance in self-care and social activities, and improving skills in these areas. Findings support the use of the intervention for children with autism.  

Schaaf, R. C., & Lane, A. E. (2015). Toward a best-practice protocol for assessment of sensory features in ASD. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 45(5), 1380-1395.

Given that sensory difficulties are now included in the DSM-V as a commonly occurring manifestation of autism spectrum disorders, guidelines for comprehensive assessment of sensory features are needed. This paper provides information on sensory development, the relationship of sensory features to core symptoms of autism, and gives recommendations for clinical assessment of sensory features in light of current assessment practices. 

Faller, P., Hunt, J., van Hooydonk, E., Mailloux, Z., & Schaaf, R. (2016). Application of Data-Driven Decision Making using Ayres Sensory Integration® with a child with autism. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(1), 7001220020p1-7001220020p9.

This study compared autonomic nervous system activity during sensory stimulation in 59 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 30 typically developing children. Results of multivariate comparisons suggest participants with ASD have different patterns of parasympathetic responses from sensory stimulation. Significant differences in parasympathetic responses, particularly respiratory sinus arrhythmia across sensory stimuli (p=0.02) and from domain to domain (p=0.01) were found, but there were no significant differences in pre-ejaculation period sympathetic activity between groups. Implications for ASD research are discussed. 

Schaaf, R. C., Benevides, T. W., Leiby, B. E., & Sendecki, J. A. (2015). Autonomic dysregulation during sensory stimulation in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(2), 461-472.

This study compared autonomic nervous system activity during sensory stimulation in 59 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 30 typically developing children. Results of multivariate comparisons suggest participants with ASD have different patterns of parasympathetic responses from sensory stimulation. Significant differences in parasympathetic responses, particularly respiratory sinus arrhythmia across sensory stimuli (p=0.02) and from domain to domain (p=0.01) were found, but there were no significant differences in pre-ejaculation period sympathetic activity between groups. Implications for ASD research are discussed.