The Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Program on Spatial Perception and Academic Achievement of Students with Specific

Azizi, Zahra; Taher, Mahboobe

doi:10.22098/jld.2026.18096.2275

The Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Program on Spatial Perception and Academic Achievement of Students with Specific

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Zahra Azizi ¹
Mahboobe Taher ²

¹ M.A. Student of Clinical Psychology, Sha.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran.

² Department of Psychology, Sha.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran

10.22098/jld.2026.18096.2275

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a sensory integration program on improving spatial perception and academic achievement in students with specific learning disabilities.
Materials and Methods: This research employed an experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and control group. The statistical population included all male and female students diagnosed with learning disabilities in the first to fifth grades of elementary school in Shahrud during the academic year 2024–2025. To collect data, Frostig's visual perception test (1963) and Pham and Taylor's academic achievement questionnaire (1990) were used. The experimental group received 10 45-minute sessions of the sensory integration program, while the control group did not receive any intervention during this period. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis (ANCOVA) in SPSS software (version24).
Results: The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The results of the covariance analysis indicated statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the mean total scores of spatial perception (F=70.324) and academic achievement (F=80.176).
Conclusion: The sensory integration program, through the systematic stimulation of various sensory systems including tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems—was effective in improving spatial perception and academic achievement in students with specific learning difficulties. Given its demonstrated effectiveness, this program can be employed as a fundamental strategy by teachers, counselors, and learning specialists to enhance spatial perception and academic performance, particularly among students with specific learning disabilities.

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