Sensory integration therapy is a way of trying to “tune down” overactive senses, or stimulate dormant ones, to help a person function in the world better. The goal for this is gentle exposure to different sensory stimuli, so that they get better incorporated into what the body can tolerate and deal with.
The central nervous system is strengthened, balanced and developed so as to enhance its repertoire of abilities.
These therapies focus on the five major senses as well as the vestibular
and proprioception senses. Therapy for each person is different depending on their unique needs. Some people have observed that occupational therapy, which is the kind of therapy that sensory integration therapy falls under, looks a lot like playing; but it is a very specific, directed form of “playing” that targets the skills that those with ASD need to work on and develop and strengthens them.
The following are some ideas suggested by professionals about how to correct specific sensory deficits that autistic kids often show. These activities can be done at home or by a trained occupational therapist; at a school or in an office.
Swinging, rocking, and see-saws can help develop a sense of the vestibular system for those with an under active sense of the vestibular system.
For those with hyposensitive issues, you can try arranging furniture in such a way that your loved one can get around the room easier; put tape on the ground to show them where they should go; and talk to them about trying to stay an arm’s length away from someone.
For your loved one who is sensitive to smells, use unscented body care products, detergents and shampoos; don’t wear or allow perfume in the classroom; and try to make the places the person stays in most, including the house, as fragrance free as possible.
Eliminate or reduce fluorescent lighting, as it is often bothersome to many people on the autistic spectrum. Have your child wear sunglasses if they are sensitive to light. Use blackout curtains to keep the light out in a room. Use curtains or space dividers to create a visual distraction free workplace.
Auditory Integration Training is a therapy developed in the 1980s. An autistic person wears a set of headphones and listens to different tones in different intensities, volumes, and patterns. The idea is to re-wire the brain and the auditory system; in effect, by listening to these sounds, chosen for very specific reasons, the system becomes more balanced.
Music therapy can also be helpful. And earplugs and a Walkman can be lifesavers for your autistic loved one in noisy situations.
Weighted blankets and sleeping bags can work great for kids who need to feel the weight of something on them.
Make sure to tell a tactile hypersensitive child if you are going to touch them beforehand.
Allow the child to brush their hair and teeth so that they can regulate how hard or fast they do it.
Gradually try to get them use to the feel of different materials and textures.
For additional insights and to better understand this special type of therapy and how it can help your loved one with autism, see Autism Treatment for Kids – What Is Sensory Integration Therapy?
No comments:
Post a Comment