The Use of Sensory Integration Therapy by Intervention Service Providers in Malaysia

Sensory integration (SI) therapy is a controversial intervention used in intervention for children with disabilities that is popular in the United States. Little is known about the use of SI therapy for children with disabilities in educational centres in developing nations such as Malaysia. Supervisors and teachers from seven educational intervention centres in city-centre areas in Malaysia were interviewed on their use of SI therapy. Occupational therapists were found to have a major influence on the decision to use SI therapy by the interviewees. It was also found that SI therapy was implemented in a limited manner in these centres and that one of the primary factors that motivated teachers to use SI therapy was the perception that students’ behaviours were associated with sensory stimulation. Implications for evidence-based decision-making in developing countries are discussed.