Can you Know me Better? An Exploratory Study Combining Behavioural and Physiological Measurements for an Objective Assessment of Sensory Responsiveness in a Child with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Mariely Lima (Author) Other; Karine Silva (Author) Other; Ana Magalhaes (Author) ICBAS; Isabel Amaral (Author) Other; Helena Pestana (Author) Other; Liliana de Sousa (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Vol. 25

Pages: 522-530

ISSN: 1360-2322

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 5 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Clinical medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-45V

DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2012.00698.x

Abstract (EN): Background Sensory assessment of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) can be difficult for several reasons, including the idiosyncratic reactions that these individuals exhibit to environmental stimuli. This case report presents a combination of behavioural and physiological measurements aimed at providing an objective assessment of the sensory responsiveness of a child with PIMD. Material and Methods The participant was presented with a set of nineteen stimuli commonly used during sensory interventions. Responsiveness to these stimuli was assessed in terms of motor movements, heart rate and electrodermal responses. Results Although the child only exhibited consistent motor reactions to three of the items, he showed consistent physiological reactions to a total of ten stimuli. Conclusions Obtained data, although preliminary, suggest that combining behavioural and physiological measurements may constitute a useful resource for assessing the actual responsiveness of individuals with PIMD. With such a resource, people close to these individuals could fine tune their interventions and guarantee their well-being.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9