On 29 Jun 2003, Carol DeVolder wrote: > Hi, > I teach a course in the neurology of learning disabilities and have > stumbled across a phenomenon referred to as Sensory Integration > Dysfunction. I have never heard this term until it was provided by an > occupational therapy colleague. It's an interesting phenomenon, but I > wonder how much credence is given this in the neuroscience community. > Can anyone share their opinions with me? Thanks, Carol DeVolder St.
Just from its name, I would guess the dysfunction is treated by a special quack therapy, long on claims (cures everything from autism to bad breath) and short on evidence. Bet it's expensive, too. While browsing today, I stumbled across an excellent on-line critique of quack therapies for autism (Herbert et al, 2002), and, sure enough, "sensory integration therapy" is on the list, keeping company with the usual list of suspects, including psychoanalysis, facilitated communication, and secretin treatment. They discuss SIT under the heading "Questionable treatments for autism: Bold claims, dubious theories, and little data". Interestingly, they note that it was first developed by A. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist, in the 1950's. Their bottom line evaluation: worthless. The review (long, long, and with many references) is at: http://www.scientificmentalhealth.org/SRMHP/current.html (scan down to the link to the article) Herbert, J. et al (2002). Separating fact from fiction in the etiology and treatment of autism: A scientific review of the evidence. The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, 1, ??-?? Stephen ______________________________________________________________ Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. tel: (819) 822-9600 ext 2470 Department of Psychology fax: (819) 822-9661 Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lennoxville, QC J1M 1Z7 Canada Dept web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy TIPS discussion list for psychology teachers at http://www.frostburg.edu/dept/psyc/southerly/tips _________________________________________________________ --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
