Sensory Integration Therapy

Children on the autism spectrum often face challenges while using their senses, especially when they have to use them together. Sensory Integration Therapy is devised to help them enhance this ability and tackle repetitive behavior, which is a product of difficulty processing sensory information.
Developed quite recently in the 1970s, Sensory Integration Therapy uses play-oriented techniques and tools. Swings, slides, climbing toys, and trampolines are the most commonly used equipment. Each of them aims at engaging more than 1 sense at a time – touch, hearing, sight, taste, and smell. They also make therapy interesting as well as helpful, positively impacting children’s confidence.
In a few instances, we have also seen this form of therapy ease other difficulties related to autism such as emotional control.

Challenges Faced

Children on the autism spectrum often experience challenges in processing sensory information, which can make it difficult for them to use multiple senses together effectively. This may lead to repetitive behaviors and other difficulties in emotional regulation, making social interactions and daily activities harder.