The Impact of a Sensory-Based Parent Coaching Program on the Occupational Performance of Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Sensory processing challenges are common in children ages 0 to 3 receiving early intervention services and interfere with the occupational performance of children during family mealtimes, playtimes, self-care activities, and community outings. This program utilized 9 to 10 in-home parent coaching sessions to implement sensory strategies addressing parent identified occupational performance problems with 6 families. Pre- and post-test results indicated a significant improvement in parent ratings of child performance and parent satisfaction following the parent coaching program. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of parent coaching strategies when working with pediatric populations and specifically demonstrates the potential value of the coaching model in implementing sensory strategies.