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Abstract
Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is commonly used to target sensory issues associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), even though it is not empirically supported. Alternative seating options are one type of SIT used in classrooms that attempt to try to improve academic scores and task engagement. Schilling and Schwartz (2004) researched the effect of therapy balls on task engagement. Results demonstrated significant increases in engagement, but the study had methodological flaws. The present study examined effects of alternative seating on task engagement and problem behavior with three participants with ASD in a classroom setting. For two participants, results suggest little to no differentiation in task engagement and problem behavior between conditions. Results from one participant indicate a significant decrease in task engagement and an increase in problem behavior during the alternative seating condition. Future research should further examine the effects of alternative seating options before they are used in classrooms.