Adaptation of a Sensory Reactivity Assessment for Use With Children in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Sensory reactivity (SR) difficulties are characterised by problems regulating an individual’s responses to sensory input such that it interferes with occupational performance in daily tasks. South African occupational therapists use assessments developed in the United States to identify SR difficulties in children. These have been found to be inappropriate for the South African context. This study reports on the methodology used to adapt an assessment for use in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.Method: The SPM‐2 Child and Preschool caregiver self‐report questionnaires and seven tests of the performance‐based Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) that assess SR were identified for adaptation. A qualitative methodology was used to identify challenges using the assessment in a sample of the Western Cape population. Cognitive interviews were conducted with six community members from diverse socioeconomic groupings. Inductive analysis was used to identify and group the emerging themes. The test adaptation was conducted by expert occupational therapists based on these findings.Findings: Challenges were grouped into two themes, namely, language challenges, of which there were three subcategories and inappropriate or threatening assessment tasks. Fifty‐three changes were made to the assessment.Conclusion: A detailed methodology was developed to adapt a SR assessment for use in the Western Cape Province. Challenges in using the assessment were elicited primarily from community members rather than professionals.