Six Ways to Help Children with Sensory Issues

September 16, 2011

Symptoms, Treatment

Sensory integration therapy is a way of trying to “tune down” overactive senses, or stimulate dormant ones, to help a person function in the world better. The goal for this is gentle exposure to different sensory stimuli, so that they get better incorporated into what the body can tolerate and deal with.

The central nervous system is strengthened, balanced and developed so as to enhance its repertoire of abilities.

Autism Therapy Focuses on Five Major Senses

These therapies focus on the five major senses as well as the vestibular and proprioception senses. Therapy for each person is different depending on their unique needs. Some people have observed that occupational therapy, which is the kind of therapy that sensory integration therapy falls under, looks a lot like playing; but it is a very specific, directed form of “playing” that targets the skills that those with ASD need to work on and develop and strengthens them.

Six Ideas to Help Those with Sensory Issues

The following are some ideas suggested by professionals about how to correct specific sensory deficits that autistic kids often show. These activities can be done at home or by a trained occupational therapist; at a school or in an office.

1. Balance suggestions

Swinging, rocking, and see-saws can help develop a sense of the vestibular system for those with an under active sense of the vestibular system.

2. Body awareness suggestions

For those with hyposensitive issues, you can try arranging furniture in such a way that your loved one can get around the room easier; put tape on the ground to show them where they should go; and talk to them about trying to stay an arm’s length away from someone.

3. Olfactory suggestions

For your loved one who is sensitive to smells, use unscented body care products, detergents and shampoos; don’t wear or allow perfume in the classroom; and try to make the places the person stays in most, including the house, as fragrance free as possible.

4. Sight suggestions

Eliminate or reduce fluorescent lighting, as it is often bothersome to many people on the autistic spectrum. Have your child wear sunglasses if they are sensitive to light. Use blackout curtains to keep the light out in a room. Use curtains or space dividers to create a visual distraction free workplace.

5. Hearing suggestions

Auditory Integration Training is a therapy developed in the 1980s. An autistic person wears a set of headphones and listens to different tones in different intensities, volumes, and patterns. The idea is to re-wire the brain and the auditory system; in effect, by listening to these sounds, chosen for very specific reasons, the system becomes more balanced.

Music therapy can also be helpful. And earplugs and a Walkman can be lifesavers for your autistic loved one in noisy situations.

6. Tactile Suggestions

Weighted blankets and sleeping bags can work great for kids who need to feel the weight of something on them.

Make sure to tell a tactile hypersensitive child if you are going to touch them beforehand.

Allow the child to brush their hair and teeth so that they can regulate how hard or fast they do it.

Gradually try to get them use to the feel of different materials and textures.

For additional insights and to better understand this special type of therapy and how it can help your loved one with autism, see Autism Treatment for Kids – What Is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Tell us what you think

If you have any experience with Sensory Integration Therapy, or if your child suffers from any type of sensory issues, please help others by sharing your story and tips that worked for YOUR child. COMMENT BELOW.

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