A treatment which assists a person with Autism to improve the way in which their nervous system receives sensory input. It is usually carried out by an Occupational Therapist. Autistic children require this method of therapy as they could be over sensitive to touch, sound and light, hyper active, clumsy with movements, unable to control self or calm self and show signs of speech delay. The typically developing brain integrates the sensors automatically. The Autistic brain requires a great deal of input in achieving the integration of the sensors, where the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The process which is distorted results in learning and development being delayed. Sensory integration helps a child by training all the sensors to coordinate and work together. Each of our sensors teaches us different information about ourselves and the world. It is often confusing or difficult for an Autistic child to process all the information at the same time. The coordination of the sensors are balanced in a way to help the Autistic child process information about who they are, the world around them and what takes place in that world.

Who would benefit from sensory integration therapy?

  • A child who has difficulty gripping and using a pencil
  • A child who has difficulty engaging in appropriate play using toys
  • Has difficulty with coordination to dress one's self and general self care tasks
  • Has difficulty coping with movement making everyday fun and playground activities a fear
  • Hyperactive or over active children who are seen as a danger to themselves
  • Tactile defensive children

  • Developing attention span
    A child who continuously fidgets while not paying attention to what he/she is doing will not be able to learn effectively. An OT will look at what motivates your child to sit still and will help the child keep calm and ready to learn.

    Developing Sensory processing skills
    A child needs to pick up information from all the senses and use them in an effective manner. The senses together with body movement and awareness are registered by sensory receptors, processed in the brain and acted upon in a way that the child functions in the most efficient way.

    Fine and Gross motor skills
    Many children with Autism display difficulty in learning skills such as drawing, using scissors, buttoning clothes or stringing beads. Autistic children will need help in developing the strength of the small muscles in their hands in order to help with the dexterity and co-ordination which are required for developing many life skills. Working on gross motor skills helps develop strength and awareness of the larger muscles: these skills could involve throwing and catching a ball, hopping, kicking a ball, jumping and climbing.
     
    Activities involving daily living
    Children are confronted with many daily living tasks which include eating, using utensils, drinking from a cup, dressing and undressing, washing hands, having a bath or shower, using the toilet and general personal hygiene.

    Developing Sensory processing skills
    A child needs to pick up information from all the senses and use them in an effective manner. The senses together with body movement and awareness are registered by sensory receptors, processed in the brain and acted upon in a way that the child functions in the most efficient way.

    Award winning author of "No Matter What" (Autism)
    (Psychology / Mental health - Parenting / Family - Health general )
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Matter-What-Sandy-Howarth/dp/1847477496