Comparison of Antecedent Activities for Increasing Engagement in a Preschool Child with ASD during a Small Group Activity

Antecedent-based interventions, including sensory integration-based interventions and physical exercise, are regularly used in clinical and educational settings despite the lack of high-quality research documenting their efficacy. This study analyzed the effect of two comparisons---wearing headphones and not wearing headphones, and the provision of three structured antecedent activities (gross motor activities, sensory based interventions, and seated work)---on the level of engagement, vocal stereotypy, and motor stereotypy in a young child with ASD during a small group setting. Results indicate that sensory-based interventions do not result in higher levels of engagement or decreased vocal or motor stereotypy when compared to structured physical activities or typical classroom conditions.