“What does sensory integration therapy entail? And is it effective for children with high functioning autism?”
Sensory integration therapy is often used alone or as part of a broader program of occupational therapy for kids on the autism spectrum.
The goal of this particular therapy is not to teach specific skills or behaviors, but to remediate deficits in neurologic processing and integration of sensory information to allow the youngster to interact with the environment in a more adaptive way.
Unusual sensory responses are common in young people with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism (HFA), but there’s no good evidence that these symptoms differentiate HFA from other developmental disorders.
The effectiveness of sensory integration therapy has not been demonstrated objectively. “Sensory” activities may be helpful as part of an overall program that uses desired sensory experiences to reinforce a desired behavior, help with transitions between activities, and calm the HFA youngster.
Occupational therapy is often provided to promote development of self-care skills (e.g., using utensils, personal hygiene, manipulating fasteners, dressing, etc.) and academic skills (e.g., writing, cutting with scissors, etc.).
Occupational therapists also may assist in modifying classroom materials and routines to improve attention and organization, promoting development of play skills, and providing prevocational training. However, research regarding the effectiveness of occupational therapy in autism spectrum disorders is lacking.
.jpg)
