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Sensory Integration Sensory integration is a therapeutic approach to treating autism that Chileda has employed with great success. Simply stated, it is the organization of sensory input that stimulates interaction between the child and his world. Sensory experiences include touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound, and the pull of gravity. A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D, OTR is credited with the concept of sensory integration. As an occupational therapist, Dr. Ayres was interested in the way that sensory processing and motor planning disorders interfere with daily life function and learning. Through intensive research, Dr. Ayres identified several characteristics of children who might benefit from sensory integration. Such children tend to exhibit:
It is typical for a child to demonstrate more than one of the above signs. Chileda employs a two-step approach to treatment using sensory integration: 1. Provide direct sensation to enhance sensory processing through proprioceptive, pressure touch and/or vestibular stimulation. Proprioception is described as pressure input to the joints. Proprioceptive input tends to be calming and organizing for most people and can have a latency effect of up to two hours. Examples of proprioceptive stimulation include jumping, running, tug of war, nature walks that involve lots of climbing/uneven terrain. Deep pressure involves constant input through various body surfaces. Examples include wrapping body parts, "sandwich" activities, lotion rubs, massage, and brushing. Vestibular stimulation is related to swinging movement - either linear or rotary. It has a latency effect from eight to 12 hours. Tactile stimulation is the input through touch that makes it possible to discriminate between textures and temperatures, pleasure and pain. 2. Modify environment to alleviate sensory challenges for each child. This includes reducing bright lights/noise, making concessions for personal space needs, creating a safe place for person with sensory needs to escape during moments of "environmental chaos." We are also conscious of individual preferences for certain types of food, clothing and smells. Children with autism often demonstrate an imbalance of senses. They might use one sense - or several - to make up for shortcomings in other sensory areas. By identifying these predispositions, we can help the child prepare for meaningful exchanges with his world. |
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