RESUMEN
This article describes the development and organization of a sensory integration training course given in Finland. Facts that impact on the success of international health education are discussed in relation to thc model used for this course. In addition, cultural differences (e.g, language, customs, health care, and education systems) are discussed as they relate to this teaching experlence and to occupational therapy practice in Finland. The summary highlights examples of how teaching and/or working in another culture can impact on professional development.
RESUMEN
Five autistic boys ages 5-1 to 5-10 were studied to determine whether stimulation of the macular receptors of the inner ear through linear motion influences the boys' eye contact with the investigators. The duration of eye contact was measured during linear motion on a motor-driven oscillator and on two hand-operated swings and compared to the duration of eye contact when the macular receptors were not stimulated. Because the boys varied in cooperation, the tests could not be performed using the same apparatus with each child; therefore results were analyzed separately for each child. Four of the five boys showed longer eye contact while on the motor driven oscillator (p less than .0005), and two of these also showed longer contact when on a manually operated swing (p less than .025). The fifth child resisted the use of the oscillator and did not show longer eye contact while on it (p greater than .05), but did so when on two different swings (p less than .005).