Sensory Integration and Autism
Regulate Tactile, Vestibular, and Proprioceptive Sensory Systems
Sensory integration therapy provides a unique way to help autistic individuals regulate their sensory systems.
Sensory processing disorder (SPD), sometimes called Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID), is extremely common among individuals on the autism spectrum. Therapy, provided by an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration, can be extremely beneficial for a person with autism. Regulating one's sensory system is integral to growth and development.
The Sensory Systems
In the field of sensory integration, the sensory system is broken up into three main areas: tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive. The tactile system is your sense of touch. The vestibular system is responsible for movement and the body’s position in space. The proprioceptive system deals with muscles and joints. There are other sensory systems but they are not as commonly associated with sensory dysfunction.
Sensory Integration Therapy Basics
To the inexperienced eye, sensory integration therapy can look like a normal afternoon of play. However, all of the activities that the therapist and the individual participate in actually serve a specific purpose. Some of the types of activities you might see in a sensory-based occupational therapy session include:
• Swinging in a net swing – a net swing cocoons the client providing them with proprioceptive input. At the same time, the spinning gives vestibular input; combining two types of sensory input is common in occupational therapy. To the client this may just be fun, but to the therapist, this is giving the two sensory systems input in an organized fashion.
• Jumping onto a mat – sometimes called crashing, jumping onto a mat is a great way to provide proprioceptive input; the freefall period provides vestibular input and rolling around on the mat gives tactile input. All three of the main sensory systems are stimulated with one very fun activity.
• Balancing on a bosu ball while playing catch – this activity works all three of the main sensory systems as well. A weighted ball is often used providing proprioceptive input when the ball is caught. The ball should also be textured which allows for a different tactile sensation. The act of balancing on the bosu ball works the vestibular system.
Finding an Occupational Therapist
The licensing board for occupational therapists is The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. However, not all occupational therapists are properly trained in sensory integration. The SPD Foundation has a directory of professionals experienced with sensory processing disorder. The SPD Treatment Directory is available online. Another online source is available through Western Psychological Services (WPS); WPS has a sensory integration certification program. The WPS keeps a database of therapists, from 18 different countries, who have successfully completed its program.
Read Sensory Fun: Heavy Work Activities and Sensory Fun: Messy Play for ideas on implementing sensory integration activities at home.
References:
Kranowitz, Carol Stock. The Out-of-Sync Child. NY: Penguin Group, 2005.
Miller, Lucy Jane. Sensational Kids. NY: Penguin Group, 2006.
