Autism Therapy: sensory information

definition of sensory information: Information that enters the body via the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Sensory information can also include the sense of where the body is in space as well as the body’s sense of balance.

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Occupational Therapy Using a Sensory Integrative Approach for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev., by Schaaf, RC, and Miller LJ, published in 2005, summarized Sep 25, 2006

This article provides an overview of sensory integration therapy as it is used by occupational therapists. It also describes the numerous limitations in the research on sensory integration therapy.

The goal of sensory integration therapy is to improve the childâ??s ability to process sensory information, thereby providing a basis for improved independence. During sensory integration therapy, the occupational therapist encourages the child to engage in movement that also requires that the child use his sense of balance and also touch a variety of different types of materials. In this way the occupational therapist guides the child through challenging and fun activities that are designed to stimulate and integrate sensory systems. All of this occurs in a therapeutic environment that taps into the childâ??s drive to play.


Underdevelopment of the Postural Control System in Autism
Neurology, by Minshew, NJ, Sung K., Jones BL, and Furman JM, published in 2004, summarized Sep 25, 2006

This paper describes how poor balance may be an early symptom of the poor sensory integration seen in children with autism.

Previous research has demonstrated that children with autism have difficulty maintaining an upright balance when their eyes were closed. Some scientists believe that poor balance is a result of incomplete development of the connectivity between the different brain structures that receive different sensory information. This article reports the results of a study designed to determine if children with autism have poor balance and how that balance develops with age. The results indicate that children with autism had poorer balance than other children. Moreover, children with autism were delayed in developing a sense of balance and their sense of balance never achieved typical adult levels.


Sensory Integration and the Perceptual Experience of Persons with Autism
J Autism Dev Disord., by Iarocci, G., and McDonald J., published in 2006, summarized Sep 25, 2006

This article provides a comprehensive review of the neurological basis of sensory integration.

Children with autism process sensory information differently than other children. The prevalence of sensory sensitivities among persons with autism is estimated to be between 30% and 100%. In particular, parents of children with autism often report sensory peculiarities even during the first year of life. The authors suggest that the frequency and intensity of sensory sensitivities distinguish persons with autism from other groups with developmental disabilities. This article reviews all research studies on sensory issues in autism published before 2006. The authors attempt to create a neurological definition of sensory integration and suggest that this definition be used as the foundation for the design of future studies of sensory integration.


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Qigong Massage as Therapy for Autism

May 17, 2010

Karen Erikson works to heal blind and abused ponies, but was unable to find a therapy that worked for her son with autism. After 2 years of Qiqong massage, some of that time as a participant in a research project led by Dr. Louisa Silva, her son, Jake, is a verbal and social youngster. Pam Tindall, of Possibilities Consulting, a Silva-trained qigong massage therapist, was assigned to work with Jake. Qigong massage is based on the thinking that the problem with autism is that sensory information is blocked, so the therapist works to unblock it. Tindall explains that, “the protocol is a type of patting motion more like a hands-on light touch session than a muscle-kneading massage...clearing out energy blockages along the body's 12 primary meridians, or energy pathways as identified in Chinese medicine.”

Read original article: Mom Says Qigong Massage Helps Autistic Son


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Therapeutic Riding

Jan 23, 2007 by Anonymous

Therapeutic riding stables can be found by searching this site:  http://www.narha.org/

Therapeutic riding is a recreational, educational or sport activities that is taught by a certified therapeutic horseback riding instructor. Hippotherapy is a skilled treatment by a PT, OT or SLP using the movement of the horse.
The term equine therapy is not recognized by NARHA or AHA in the United States.  
See the www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org for more information. Links for evidence based practice are available under \"Research\".

Many therapists have found that children are better able to process sensory information and form social connections after treatment.

Therapeutic riding can be a fabulous multisensorial experience. For further information check out the Web site of Connections Therapeutic Riding Center in Colorado: http://www.connectionstrc.org/.

Children with autism many times respond very positively to music and horse therapies. Point being, "Music & Horse Therapies" can overlap sometimes for added reinforcment.

Familiar songs can be played in both horse and music therapies. Also, it has been noted that music has a calming effect sometimes for children with autism in horse therapy sessions. After working with a young man with autism, I realized the concept of "THE BEAT"(Heart, Hoof & Drum) which is in part about how important movement and music is to children with autism.

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      Just have to note that before horse therapy lessons, one young man with autism always goes on the swings next to the stables efore his therapeutic horse lessons.    Also, at his home,  he enjoys using the treadmill while listening to music and I am trying to get him to use the jogging trampoline, also. “Movement & Music” means so much to most people with autism.  Lastly, “THE BEAT” is not limited to disABILITIES, but also includes the full spectrum of how MUSIC connects with”People & Horses”.

    


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