Effect of sensory enriched environment as an intervention on behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review

Objectives: This review examines the impact of sensory-enriched environments on managing behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature from January 2000 to August 2023 across databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PEDro, ProQuest, and Ovid) yielded 988 studies. Screening based on inclusion criteria led to the selection of nine studies on sensory-enriched interventions for children with ASD. Results: The nine studies showed effect sizes from small to very large (Cohen’s d = 0.21-1.70) and were rated as good quality based on PEDro and SCRIBE assessments. In the five RCTs, risk of bias varied, with two studies at low risk, two at high risk and one with some concerns as per the Cochrane ROB2 tool. Variability in intervention definitions, outcome measures, and methodologies prevented data pooling for statistical analysis. Conclusions: While further randomized controlled trials are needed with standardized intervention frameworks and outcome measures, sensory-enriched environments appear promising for enhancing quality of life in children with ASD.