2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A

Children with developmental delays often experience difficulties in maintaining attention, which can significantly hinder their learning, communication, and social development. Attention span, a critical component of cognitive functioning, is frequently compromised due to deficits in sensory processing. Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT), developed by A. Jean Ayres, is a clinical intervention that seeks to improve the way the brain processes sensory input, thereby enhancing a child’s ability to focus and respond appropriately to their environment.
This study investigates the effectiveness of SIT in improving attention span in children diagnosed with developmental delays. A total of 20 children aged 5 to 10 years were selected through purposive sampling and divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in a structured SIT program over a period of 10 weeks, while the control group received standard classroom instruction without therapeutic intervention. Pre-and post-assessments were conducted using validated attention-rating scales and behavioral observation checklists.
The results demonstrated a significant improvement in sustained and selective attention among children in the experimental group, as compared to the control group. Notably, children showed reduced distractibility, improved task completion, and greater ability to follow instructions over time. These findings support the application of SIT as an effective therapeutic approach to address attentional challenges in children with developmental delays.
The study recommends incorporating SIT into Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and early intervention programs to support attentional development. Further research is suggested to explore the long-term effects and neural mechanisms underlying these improvements.