Behavioral Assessment of Stereotypy and Attention to Task
Author:
Amy Kane - The May Institute and the May Center for Applied Research
James K. Luiselli - The May Institute and the May Center for Applied Research
Shawna Dearborn - The May Institute and the May Center for Applied Research
and Nancy Young - The May Institute and the May Center for Applied Research
Author
Note:
This study was based on a thesis by the senior author submitted in partial
fulfillment of the Masters Degree in Special Education at Bridgewater State
College. We thank the staff of the May Center for Education and Vocational
Training, Braintree, MA, for their support and contributions.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to James
K. Luiselli, Senior Vice President, Applied Research, Clinical Training, and Peer
Review, The May Institute, One Commerce Way, Norwood, MA 02062. E-mail:
jluiselli@mayinstitute.org.
Abstract:
Proponents of sensory integration therapy recommend application of deep pressure, induced by wearing a weighted
vest, as an approach to treat perceptual processing disturbance in people with developmental disabilities. The present
study evaluated the effects of wearing a weighted vest on stereotypy and attention to task of four children who
had autism/pervasive developmental disorder. Behaviors were measured during 10-minute sessions under baseline
(no vest), weighted vest, and vest without weight conditions. For all children, wearing the weighted vest did not
reduce stereotypy or increase attention to task, and with three of them it appeared to have a negative influence.
Clinical and research issues are discussed.
