Research

Improving the lives of individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and their families. 

We are committed to conducting research which aims to improve the lives of individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and their families. Our research programs primarily contribute to improved understanding of SPD, assessment development and investigation of efficacy of treatment modalities.


If you have any questions about past or current SPIRAL Foundation research projects, or are interested in participating in any of the studies detailed below, please contact our Senior Research Assistant, Alison Teasdale or our Research Coordinator, Olivia Easterbrooks-Dick,  617-969-4410 ext 267.

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Currently Recruiting

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Sensory Processing and Adaptation (SPA) Project

Dr April Levin and her team at the Department of Neurology at Boston Children’s Hospital are seeking to understand how different individuals process sensory information. Hopefully this understanding will lead to improved intervention for individuals experiencing sensory processing difficulties. The SPA project is recruiting three groups of children 3-4 years of age: children with autism, children with “sensory processing concerns” who do not also have autism, and children with typical development. To investigate sensory processing in these groups, the SPA project will use play-based assessments, questionnaires, and EEG (a safe and non-intrusive measure of brain activity). Participation includes an approximately 4-hour visit to 2 Brookline Place in Brookline, MA. Participants will receive $50 upon completion of the study visit and parking reimbursements. If you wish to participate or learn more, please email us or call 617-969-4410 ext 267, or contact Dr Levin’s team directly by email or call 617-919-6829.

Become a SPIRAL Foundation Research Affiliate

We are committed to expanding the body of research in sensory integration, and together we can make that happen! Our expert staff, advisors, and board of directors offers a wide range of research related activities to affiliates and partners, including:

  • Development of research plans and design of studies
  • Oversight and management of research projects
  • Provision of staff for implementation of research projects
  • Support with participant recruitment
  • Data analysis and consultation
  • Research article writing and publication submission
  • Consultation on writing articles and submitting for publication
  • Consultation on professional conference proposals and developing presentations
  • Literature reviews and article searches
  • Provision of fidelity to sensory integration intervention fidelity checks.

For a free consultation to discuss the desired project and the scope of the SPIRAL Foundation’s involvement,
Email us or call (617) 969-4410 ext. 267

Research Archive

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Here you will find summaries and resources on research projects and papers completed by SPIRAL Foundation staff.  It is not meant to be a comprehensive archive of sensory integration literature but a reference for work conducted by the SPIRAL Foundation and its members.