Introduction
Parents of children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) often struggle to interpret their child’s cues, making it difficult to engage in interactions that support developmental needs. The MISC-SR (Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers – Self-Regulation) is an evidence-based early intervention model designed to help parents develop more sensitive and synchronized interactions with their children. By enhancing parents' ability to read cues and understand their child's sensory processing and self-regulation challenges, this approach fosters greater participation in daily life and improves overall family well-being.
Objectives
This study explores parents' experience following the implementation of the MISC-SR model, focusing on its impact on their child's participation in daily activities, caregiving challenges, and overall family well-being before and after intervention.
Methods
A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to explore the experiences of 12 parents of children aged 1–6 years with SPD who completed at least eight MISC-SR intervention sessions. Semi-structured, one-hour interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: (1) challenges faced before the intervention, changes post intervention in (2) child’s participation, and (3) family well-being
Results
Prior to the intervention, parents experienced significant challenges in managing daily routines. Following the intervention, they described more positive interactions with their child and greater ease in handling daily tasks. These improvements were accompanied by reduced parental stress, leading to a meaningful improvement in overall family well-being.
Conclusion
The MISC-SR model appears to be an effective intervention that empowers parents to support their child's self-regulation and participation while enhancing family well-being. These findings underscore the value of this model as a tailored intervention within family-centered occupational therapy.