Resources available for treating Sensory Reactivity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Zimbabwe: A Scoping Review

This research project is a scoping review designed to identify and map the resources currently available to Occupational Therapists (OTs) in Zimbabwe for the treatment of sensory reactivity in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD, a neurodevelopmental condition affecting a significant number of children globally, including in Zimbabwe, often presents with sensory reactivity challenges (hyper- or hypo-sensitivities) that can impact daily functioning and quality of life. [1] Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in addressing these sensory difficulties through various sensory interventions. [2][3] However, in Zimbabwe, there is a lack of formal postgraduate training programs specializing in sensory integration or sensory processing interventions for OTs. While basic Ayres Sensory Integration principles are taught at the undergraduate level at the University of Zimbabwe, advanced training is often inaccessible due to financial constraints and the limited contextual relevance of international courses, such as those offered by the South African Institute of Sensory Integration (SAISI). This creates a significant gap in knowledge and skills for Zimbabwean OTs seeking to effectively address sensory reactivity in children with ASD. Therefore, this scoping review aims to address this gap by systematically searching and synthesizing existing literature, guidelines, and other relevant resources that could inform the practice of Zimbabwean OTs in this area. The expected outcome of this project is a comprehensive overview of the resources available to Zimbabwean OTs for treating sensory reactivity in children with ASD without requiring extensive and expensive postgraduate training. This will include identifying practical, contextually appropriate, and potentially low-cost interventions that can be implemented within the Zimbabwean setting. This review will ultimately inform future research, professional development initiatives, and the development of culturally relevant interventions to improve the lives of children with ASD and their families in Zimbabwe.