Sensory integrative function in a child guidance clinic population.

Recent researchers in the area of mental health have recognized the influence of biological defects on psychosocial development and on the child's ability to acquire social and academic skills. This study was designed to determine whether or not senxory integrative disorders occurred in a child guidance population, to explore the nature of sensory integrative disorders found in such a group, and to ascertain any relationships between certain types of sensory integrative disorders and specific behavioral traits. The subjects were 87 children between 5 and 9 years of age, the total number referred to a child guidance clinic in southern California because of problems in behavior. All subjects (Ss) were administered the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests and were observed for neuromuscular deviations. The date were subjected to factor analyses. Results showed a high incidence of sensory integrative dysfunction in this population. There was considerable evidence of a syndrome known as postural and bilateral integration dysfunction as well as a strong tendency in this group to show various kinds of behavior problems.