Evaluating the Efficacy of Combining Sensory Room and Conventional Therapies for Lebanese Children With Autism: A 10-Year Study.

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by sensory difficulties, which pose a significant challenge. Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory room therapy in conjunction with traditional therapy, comparing it to traditional therapy alone, among children diagnosed with ASD in Lebanon. Methods A retrospective longitudinal study with cross-sectional survey (mixed study) was conducted over a 10-year period, involving 548 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The children were divided into two groups: group 1, comprising 306 children who received conventional therapy in addition to sensory room therapy, and group 2, consisting of 242 children who received conventional therapy alone. Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics, autism-related features, and scores from the Parental Concerns Questionnaire Inferring Alterations (PCQIA) scale, which measures sensory and behavioral characteristics. Data were collected at two time points: before the initiation of sensory room therapy and after the completion of the therapy, allowing for an assessment of changes and effectiveness post-treatment. Results In both groups, there was no significant difference in PCQIA scores following conventional therapy alone (group 1: mean score 34.1, group 2: mean score 33.4; p=0.222). However, a significant increase in PCQIA scores was observed after the addition of sensory room therapy in group 1 (combined therapy), with scores rising from a pre-therapy mean of 34.1 to a post-therapy mean of 41.7 (p<0.001). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between PCQIA scores and parental income. Additionally, 78.2% of parents rated sensory room therapy as highly effective, with 62% reporting significant improvement in their children's behavior and 80% noting increased engagement in extracurricular activities. Notably, 98% of parents indicated they would recommend the combined therapy to others. Conclusion Sensory room therapy demonstrates improvement in sensory challenges and motor skills among children diagnosed with ASD.