Sensory integration therapy is used to help children learn to use all their senses together. That is, touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing. It’s claimed that this therapy can improve challenging behaviour or repetitive behaviour. These behaviours can be related to difficulties with processing sensory information. It is fair to say there is a great deal to all of this.
Sensory integration therapy challenges and stimulates the individual’s senses (sound, sight, touch, smell and taste) through a range of tasks and activities. As described by individuals with autism, sensory integration techniques, such as pressure-touch can facilitate attention and awareness, and reduce overall levels of anxiety.
There is a lot to know
Many people with autism are hypersensitive or under-sensitive to light, noise, and touch. They may be unable to stand the sound of a dishwasher, or, on the other extreme, need to flap and even injure themselves to be fully aware of their bodies. These sensory differences are sometimes called “sensory processing disorder” or “sensory processing dysfunction,” and they may be treatable with sensory therapy.
Sensory processing
Sensory processing involves taking in information through our senses. This is such as touch, movement, smell, taste, vision, and hearing. Then from organising and interpreting that information, and making a meaningful response. For most people, this process is automatic. People who have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), however, don’t experience these interactions in the same way. SPD affects the way their brains interpret the information that comes in. Then in how they respond with the emotional, motor, and other reactions. For example, some children with autism feel as if they’re being constantly bombarded with sensory information.
In more detail
Sensory integration therapy is essentially a form of occupational therapy, and it is generally offered by specially trained occupational therapists. It involves specific sensory activities to help a child appropriately respond to light, sound, touch, smells, and other input. Interventions may include swinging, brushing, playing in a ball pit, and many other sensory-related activities. The outcome of these activities may be better focus, improved behaviour, and even lowered anxiety.
Overall
Sensory integration therapy can make a real difference by helping individuals to manage their sensitivities and cravings. The American Occupational Therapy Association describes several types of remediation that can help with both sensory challenges and the performance challenges that can go along with them. There are a number of ways this can all work.