Abstract
BACKGROUND: While autism varies in presentation, severity, and age of diagnosis, there are common characteristics including difficulties in processing, responding to, and integrating sensory stimuli throughout participation in activities. Majority of children diagnosed with autism have atypical sensory experiences with abnormal responses to stimulation.|AIM: This critically appraised topic (CAT) is aimed as determining the effectiveness of Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) on improving occupational performance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).|METHODS: Level 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B studies were analyzed and included in the CAT if they were published in the last 11 years, included Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) interventions, included outcomes to occupational performance, and studies focused children with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).|RESULTS: Level 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B research completed on Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) has revealed strong, positive evidence regarding the effectiveness of SIT on improving occupational performance in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).