Current practices in sensory motor programming with developmentally delayed infants and young children

Abstract

This study examined the current practices of sensory motor programming with developmentally delayed infants and young children. A survey was conducted of facilities listed as serving this population group. There were 625 facilities which responded (response rate 84%). The responses of these facilities showed that each modal facility served between 21-50 children in day settings, and that 95% of the facilities offered individualized sensory motor programmes. Responses indicated that the way sensory motor programming was developed, the activities used, and the expected benefits had a high degree of similarity. Differences, however, were reported in the professional background of the programme directors, in their theoretical orientation, and in the assessment instruments used for developing and evaluating sensory motor programmes. There are implications for future study.