Sensory programs for Autistic Children??

Question

I have an 6 yr old son who is autistic. I heard recently about sensory stimulation programs, but I don't know what they are or what they are suppossed to accomplish. If anyone has tried these with their child, or knows what they do, could you please advise me.

My son is on the mild side of the spectrum, and currently in an autistic private school and doing well. I would just like to explore every avenue for him.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

An Occupational Therapist may be able to provide you with more information.  I am assuming that your son receives that service (Occupational Therapy) now?

Answer 2

Sensory activities are used to help regulate the nervous system to achieve a state of readiness for learning. Some children need calming while others need excitation of the central nervous system. Most often children on the autism spectrum need calming input as they have a difficult time shutting off input that is not pertinent. The sensory activities are often very helpful if implemented by a trained person, Sensory Integration Certified therapists have the highest level of training, however others without this level can also give great input. Your son may benefit from strategies that help his stay focused on the presented materials. I am glad to hear he is doing well in his  private school. Good luck!

Answer 3

I use to use this brushing method with my daughter when she was in Kindergarten.(a small palm size rectangular plastic soft brush)  It seem to work wonders, had sort of a calming affect on her when she would go into one of her spells/fits.  She's eight now, and doesn't need it anymore but it really worked well on her.

Montessori Schools include great sensory stimulation educational activities.  You might want to check out a website on Montessori teaching.  Lots of great ideas.

Answer 4

Sensory integration programs help people to gain control of their bodies and gain awareness of their bodies in space.  They also help to provide sensory feedback where it is lacking or hypersensitive.  For instance there is a program called, "How is my Engine Running".  There are certain movements, exercises, etc. that are done to help the body come to a neutral place instead of "too reved up" or "too sluggish".  The programs can also help with lone tone or sensory defensiveness (ie: doesn't like certain touches or sounds).  There is a definite positive aspect to looking into this avenue for your son.  A great book is called The Out of Sync Child.

Try:

http://www.comeunity.com/disability/sens...

http://www.autism.org/si.html

Answer 5

Many of the behaviors typically seen with children on the spectrum, especially stims, seem to be rooted in the fact that children with autism have a hard time "feeling" thier bodies and body location if they are not in motion.  This can be compounded by sensitivity to things like sounds, bright lights or even fabrics.  All of these make it difficult for children on the spectrum to "feel" where they are or distract them to the point they can only focus in on something if they are channelling all the energy out in some way.  The goal of sensory integration therapy is to help children (and there are many kids who can use this therapy, not just children on the spectrum) become acclimated to some of the sensory issues they have as well as helping them to develop ways to know where they are, body wise, without huge movements or continuous stim.  A common item used in classrooms are special seat cushions,  The cushions are very fleaxable, filled with air and at an angle.  The kids can shift in their seats, giving them the needed motion but without needing large motions to do so.  Many classes will have students sitting on pilates like balls for the same reason.

Sensory integration therapy can be a very useful tool in working with kids on the spectrum.  The biggest issue for most families is access and cost.  Sensory integration is a relatively new kid on the therapy block, so there are not as many qualified therapists around as you may find with things like speech and PT.  No schools I have heard of have sensory integration therapists on staff or provide this therapy as part of the IEP process.  While you may luck out and have an OT with sensory experience who can help in the class, most families who choose to use this therapy must find a therapist on their own.  Many insurances do not cover sensory integration therapy, so that leaves parents having to cover the cost and hourly fees can easily run $100 or more.  My advice would be to talk to the teachers who work with your son to see if they feel this therapy would be beneficial for him.  If they think it is a good avenue to explore, call both your pediatrician and your insurance provider.  The pediatrician may have a list of therapists (the school may as well) and will most likely have to put in a referral for you to your insurance company.  The insurance company can tell you if this therapy is covered and, depending on the type of plan you have, give you a list of therapists within your network.  Compare the lists to see who is both recommended and covered and go from there.

Answer 6

Hi.

My son has a mixture of symptoms, some of cerebral palsy, some of autism.  We carry out a sensory stimulation programme with him at home.

From what I understand, the pattern of injury, or dysfunction in the brains of children with autism produces sensory distortions.  The fact is that within our sensory system, there is a 'filter.'  In normal people, this filter passes just the right amount of sensory information from the environment, through to higher areas of the brain for further processing.

In some individuals with autism, it allows too much of the sensory message through (it amplifies it), and the child is overwhelmed by the sensory world.  These children do not like to be touched, hate loud noises and will avoid eye-contact at all costs.

In some individuals, not enough of the sensory message gets through. (the filter blocks it!).  These are the children who love loud noises and bright lights and unfortunately they sometimes self -injure themselves in an attempt to increase the intensity of sensations.

In other individuals, the sensory system is tuned inwardly, or the sensory system provides its own stimulation, or white noise.  These are the children who seem fixated on something we can't see or hear. (The filter is drowning out the stimulation coming from outside, by producing its own stimulation.)

The sensory stimulation programme we use is designed to address these problems. (our son's difficulty is that he is over-sensitive).  We have had to utilise his bedroom to create an 'adapted sensory environment' which we use several times a day for a few minutes in order to try to re-tune his sensory filter.  Although we have only been working for three months, we are already seeing progress.

I have probably explained this very badly.  Allow me to refer you to the website of the people who help us.  It is http://www.snowdrop.cc

There is also a very good book out, written by the founder of Snowdrop.  It is called 'Autism: A guide to understanding and helping your child.'  It can be accessed on Snowdrop's website.

Andrew himself is a parent of a profoundly brain injured child and has spent the last twenty years in research and working with children such as ours.  He'll be quite happy just to talk to you, he's a nice guy.

Hope this helps.

Simon.