Healing Thresholds Autism Therapy Topic Feed

Sensory Integration Therapy for Children with Autism

PWSMom — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:45:45 +0000

Body:

What is it?

Most of us unconsciously learn to combine our senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, balance, body in space) in order to make sense of our environment. Children with autism have trouble learning to do this. Sensory integration therapy is a type of occupational therapy (OT) that places a child in a room specifically designed to stimulate and challenge all of the senses. During the session, the therapist works closely with the child to encourage movement within the room.

Sensory integration therapy is driven by four key principles ⁽¹⁾:

the child must be able to successfully meet the challenges that are presented through playful activities (Just Right Challenge);
the child adapts her behavior with new and useful strategies in response to the challenges presented (Adaptive Response);
the child will want to participate because the activities are fun (Active Engagement); and
the child's preferences are used to initiate therapeutic experiences within the session (Child Directed).

Sensory integration therapy is based on the assumption that the child is either overstimulated or understimulated by the environment ⁽²⁾. Therefore, the aim of sensory integration therapy is to improve the ability of the brain to process sensory information so that the child will function better in his daily activities ⁽²⁾.

Recently another sensory-related therapy has been reported called Sensory Stories ⁽³⁾. Sensory Stories are similar to social stories (see Social Stories Therapy Fact Sheet ) in that they use individualized stories about sensory situations that an individual child may encounter, and then provides instructions on appropriate behaviors for the child to use in response ⁽³⁾.

What's it like?

A sensory integration room is designed to make the child want to run into it and play ⁽¹⁾. During sensory integration therapy, the child interacts one-on-one with the occupational therapist and performs an activity that combines sensory input with motion ^{(1, 2, 4)}. Examples of such activities include:

swinging in a hammock (movement through space);
dancing to music (sound);
playing in boxes filled with beans (touch);
crawling through tunnels (touch and movement through space);
hitting swinging balls (eye-hand coordination);
spinning on a chair (balance and vision); and
balancing on a beam (balance).

The child is guided through all of these activities in a way that is stimulating and challenging ⁽¹⁾. The focus of sensory integration therapy is helping children with autism combine appropriate movements with input they get from the different senses.

A parent can integrate sensory integration into the home by providing many opportunities for a child to move in different ways and feel different things. For example, a swing set can be a form of sensory integration therapy, as can a ball pit or a lambskin rug.

What is the theory behind it?

On a daily basis, most people experience events that simultaneously stimulate more than one sense ⁽⁵⁾. We use our multiple senses to take in this varied information, and combine them to give us a clear understanding of the world around us. We learn during childhood how to do this ⁽⁶⁾. Thus, through childhood experiences we gain the ability to use all of our senses together to plan a response to anything we notice in our environment ⁽⁵⁾. Children with autism are less capable of this kind of synthesis and therefore they may have trouble responding appropriately to differently stimuli.

Children with autism may also have a difficult time listening when they are preoccupied with looking with at something. This is an example of their difficulty in receiving information via more than one sense simultaneously ^{(5, 7)}. Physicians who treat children with autism believe that these difficulties are the result of differences between the brains of children with autism and other children ^{(5, 7, 8)}.

The underlying concepts of sensory integration therapy are based on research in the areas of neuroscience, developmental psychology, occupational therapy, and education ^{(1-3, 9)}. Research suggests that sensory information received from the environment is critical; interactions between the child and the environment shape the brain and influence learning. Furthermore, research suggests that the brain can change in response to environmental input, and rich sensory experiences can stimulate change in the brain.

Does it work?

The effectiveness of sensory integration therapy is controversial and there are very few well-designed studies upon which to base a clear assessment of whether or not it works ^{(1, 2, 10, 11)}. Approximately half of the reports in the scientific literature show some type of effectiveness with sensory integration therapy, and half show no benefits at all ⁽¹⁾. Some researchers suggest that sensory integration therapy would be more useful for younger children than for older children ⁽⁴⁾. It is also possible that it might work for some children and not others. Some experts suggest that sensory integration therapy be discontinued if effects are not apparent during a specified time frame or if the child has a negative reaction ⁽⁴⁾.

Successful sensory integration therapy has been able to decrease sensitivities to touch and other stimuli ^{(1, 12)}. The result is that the children are better able to play, learn, and interact with people and surroundings ^{(1, 12)}.

Is it harmful?

While sensory integration therapy is not harmful, some forms of sensory therapy may be uncomfortable for the child. Children with autism can be especially sensitive to certain types of sensory stimulation; the therapist should respond appropriately to each child. Children should be closely monitored for any negative reactions or self-soothing behavior which might indicate the child is feeling uncomfortable ⁽⁴⁾.

True sensory integration therapy, however, should be child-directed, playful, and pleasant for the child ^{(1, 11, 15)}.

Cost

Sensory integration therapy is frequently included as a component of occupational therapy ⁽²⁾. The cost of occupational therapy may be covered by the government through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. Private occupational therapy can be expensive (approximately $100/hour or more).

Sensory integration equipment is relatively low-tech, but can be moderately expensive ⁽⁴⁾. These include anything from large bins of rice that a child can climb into, to an indoor swing set.

Sensory Stories that can be adapted for individual children are available online at www.sensorystories.com. A collection of 30 Sensory Stories, which can be adapted for the individual child, is available for about $150 through this site.

Resources

Healing Thresholds has partnered with Flag House, which is a great resource for in-home sensory solutions. They sell large sensory toys such as an adjustable tilt balance board and Snoezelen equipment.

Healing Thresholds has also partnered with Natural Learning Concepts which is a good source for large sensory toys as well as smaller sensory items.

Sensory integration equipment can be purchased online through many other sites as well. These include: The Adaptive Child, Pacific Pediatric Supply, The Child Inside, and SticKids. Sensory Stories information is available at www.sensorystories.com.

Autism is a condition covered under the IDEA of 2004. Services covered by IDEA include early identification and assessment by an occupational therapist. This law protects the rights of patients with autism and provides guidelines to assist in their education. It covers children from birth to age 21 (U.S. Department of Education).

Pediatricians can provide contact information for the state early intervention program (for children 0 to 3 years old). School districts can coordinate special services for children 3 to 21 years old. For some additional coverage information in the U.S. go to: http://www.asha.org/public/coverage/autism.htm. In addition, there is a listing on this Web site for state early intervention centers.

Several books that might be useful:

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder, Revised Edition (Paperback) by Carol Stock Kranowitz and Lucy Jane Miller. 2006. Perigree Trade.

Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues (Paperback) by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske. 2009. Penguin.

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References

Florida Youngster with Asperger's Syndrome Thrives in Early Intervention Environment

scottie — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:40:15 +0000

Teaser:

Luke's parents noticed a difference in him from their other two children from the beginning; he was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

Body:

Luke's parents noticed a difference in him from their other two children from the beginning; he was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. They got involved with a state-sponsored early intervention program, Early Steps. Luke receives occupational therapy (OT), which has been key in helping decrease his sensory integration issues. Luke's mom said they are doing floortime at home that helps with social and communication skills. Dana L. Johnson, a pediatric therapist has been working with Luke, and at not-quite-2, Luke is speaking complete sentences and learning to read.

Read original article: Therapy Brings Son Out From His Autistic Shell and into the Arms of His Thankful Parents

Library Includes Kids With Special Needs in Story Time

scottie — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:58:29 +0000

Teaser:

The Hoboken Public Library now includes kids with autism and other special needs in story time.

Body:

The Hoboken Public Library now includes kids with autism and other special needs in story time. The Wednesday afternoon story time includes great activities along with wonderful stories. Activities include games, puppetry, and sensory activities. The Hoboken Library has been a part of the New Jersey community for a number of years. Along with story time for kids, the library provides resources for children, teens, and adults. Information can be found on the library's home page or on their Facebook page.

Read original article: Children with Developmental Disabilities, Autism Encouraged to Join in Hoboken Public Library Story Time Fun

Community Resources Work Together to Help Kids with Special Needs

scottie — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:19:02 +0000

Teaser:

Tina Robbins realized just how special her Kalamazoo community was when they stepped up to help her out with her son with autism.

Body:

Tina Robbins realized just how special her Kalamazoo community was when they stepped up to help her out with her son with autism. Robbins is a single mom and her son Logan is a non-verbal youngster with autism. Robbins explained that Logan has sensory issues, wandering, and self-injurious behavior. As an advocate for her son, she reached out to Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (KCMHSAS) for help. Jeff Patton, CEO of KCMHSAS, explained that Kalamazoo is a caring community and different agencies pooled their resources to help Logan as well as other children with special needs. Western Michigan University provided speech and music therapy. He received his service dog, Denver, from Paws with a Cause. Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center provided equine therapy, while Project Lifesaver made sure that Logan didn’t wander away from home. Tina also gets help; Woods-Edge Learning Center and Family and Children’s Services Respite Program provides respite services, so that she can be re-energized and effective when caring for Logan.

Read original article: Kalamazoo Community Networks Support Children with Disabilities

Nigerian Woman Determined to Bring Early Intervention to Her Country’s Kids

scottie — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Dotun Akande, founder of Patrick Speech and Languages Center in Lagos, believes that early intervention is the best chance for children with autism.

Body:

Dotun Akande, the founder of Patrick Speech and Languages Center in Lagos, believes that early intervention is the best chance for children with autism in her country. Akande, mom of a child with autism, works to reach out and educate as many families as possible. She explains, “Parents too should know that having a child that has this challenge is not the end of the world. Early intervention is the key; so, all you need do is to help that child come out of that problem.” Patrick Speech offers interventions that include speech and language therapy, behavioral modification therapy, OT, social skills training, vocational training, academics, music therapy, hydrotherapy, and sensory integration.

Read original article: Early Intervention is the Key to Managing Autism Well

Does Your Child with Autism Suffer from Anxiety?

scottie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Kathie Harrington, a speech and language pathologist and mom of a son with autism, has written an article on dealing with anxiety.

Body:

Kathie Harrington, a speech and language pathologist and mom of a son with autism, has written an article on dealing with anxiety. She points out that anxiety in a person with autism may affect sensory, physical, imagined, and communication areas in the person’s life. She explains, “They are anxious when they know and they are anxious when they don't know. They are anxious when they see something is close and they are anxious when something is not close enough…. They are anxious when, and when, and when... .” Some techniques she recommends include routine, relaxation, weighted clothing, music, flashlight, View Master, bean bag chair, and reading.

Read original article: How to Ease Anxiety in a Person with Autism/ASD

First Responders in Alabama Get Training on Dealing with Children with Autism

scottie — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:46:48 +0000

Teaser:

The North Alabama Medical Reserve Corps received a grant from AmeriCares to provide first responder training to deal with kids with autism.

Body:

The North Alabama Medical Reserve Corps received a grant from AmeriCares to provide first responder training to deal with kids with autism. The first responders were busy this spring with flooding and tornadoes. Children with autism tend to be more frightened and likely to run away during times of stress and emergency. When first responders learn how to approach children who may suffer from communication and sensory issues, the children and their families have a better and less-stressed outcome.

Read original article: North Alabama Group Gets Grant to Train First Responders to Help Those with Autism

Some Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids with Autism

scottie — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:59:02 +0000

Teaser:

A favorite special education teacher of ours, Pam Downing, has written part 1 of a series on purchasing holiday gifts for kids with autism.

Body:

A favorite special education teacher of ours, Pam Downing, has written part 1 of a series on purchasing holiday gifts for kids with autism. The types of games she suggests are those that are interactive and can be played with the child and his family. She suggests parents find out what their child likes to do in the classroom and purchase some of those games. In addition, she recommends book/stuffed animal combinations including: Wherever You Are with a dolphin, The Spirit of Christmas with a lion, It’s Time to Sleep, My Love with a panda and On the Night You Were Born with a polar bear. Another tip is to look for sensory toys, these can include inexpensive items that light up or spin. Squishy toys are good and can be found at a low price and a lot of kids love balls. We’ll keep you posted as more suggestions arrive.

Read original article: Christmas Ideas for Children Who Have Autism

A Virginia University Opens an Autism Resource Center

scottie — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:26:48 +0000

Teaser:

Averett University in Virginia recently opened an autism resource center.

Body:

Averett University in Virginia recently opened an autism resource center. The Carrington Autism Resource Center provides teaching resources for parents and caregivers of children with autism. There is a sensory-friendly room for kids and their parents that includes games, books, and toys. The area has seen a rise in the number of children diagnosed with autism and hopes the center will serve as a springboard for other community resources. In addition, Averett’s psychotherapy program has added certified autism training to their offerings.

Read original article: Area University Opens Autistic Resource Center

Horseback riding is a great tool!

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:40:22 +0000

Andrew (7 years old) has been riding since he was 3 years old. He enjoys the trotting on the horse and I believes it helps him tone down his verbal scripting. The motion of the horse calms and relaxies him. He likes to ride backwards and lays his head on the horse's rump. He rides the horses at LaDawn Therapeutic Riding Center in Dayton, Maine and they have an indoor riding facility, outdoor ring and outdoor sensory trail to keep him on his toes for the entire year...no breaks for winter months. I highly recommend therapeutic riding!