Play and leisure environments as seen through the eyes of a child with sensory processing difficulties and of significant others : reflections on needs and proposals for change

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand play and leisure from the eyes of Maltese children with sensory processing difficulties. The main research question is: How do Maltese children with sensory processing difficulties view and participate in their play and leisure environments? Being a less visible disability, sensory processing difficulties, which can be identified alone or in conjunction with other conditions such as Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, are not well understood. The meaning of play in these children is at times also put aside (Ismael, Mische Lawson & Cox, 2015). Importance of children’s voices in research seems to be increasing (Einarsdóttir, 2007). Because of this growth in disability research and the use of emancipatory and participatory principles, the children in this study are given the lead role. The Mosaic Approach, designed by Clark and Moss (2005), is used as the methodology in this study. This approach views children as being experts of their own lives and as skilful communicators, giving importance to their own voice using traditional and participatory methods. Significant others, such as parents and professionals are also included in the approach to enrich further the children’s views, although this research does shed light on the fact that the idea of making children’s voices heard is not straightforward. In this study, the ages of the three children with different sensory processing difficulties varied between 6 and 9, and their main leisure interests included football, Judo and Karate lessons, as well as drawing/craft making and the use of technological equipment such as the computer, mobile and tablet. The data collected was analysed using the social model of disability as the theoretical framework. A total of five themes have emerged and were discussed in greater detail. Of significance importance are the themes of enjoyment and participation and that of family lifestyles including attitudinal barriers. It was evident that for the children, participation in play and leisure is purely for enjoyment and learning purposes. On the other hand, therapists view participation in these activities most often as ideal for the children’s sensory processing needs. Families seem to limit engagement in more unstructured play such as playgrounds because of hectic lifestyles, including the importance society gives to schooling, as well as advancements in career. Attitudes faced by these families at playgrounds and leisure activities also act as barriers to the children’s attendance at these places. The findings of the study were used to design leaflets that will be disseminated to the participants and other relevant parties.