Sensory Integration Techniques in Occupational Therapy For Autism

Our skilled therapy professionals work closely with each autistic child to understand their sensory processing difficulties. They conduct diverse sensory-rich activities and occupational therapeutic interventions depending on an autistic child’s unique needs and goals.

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March 4, 2024

“It’s never too late for treatment” – this is what RCD Memorial Foundation believes. We, at our organization, empower autistic children to succeed and grow in their lives. Our NGO provides personalized occupational therapy by using sensory integration techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of every child. Discover how our skilled therapy professionals at RCD Memorial Foundation administer occupational therapy for children with autism. But before we delve into that, let’s understand what autism truly entails.

What Is Autism?

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be considered a complex developmental condition leading to significant behavioral, social, and communication disabilities. However, it’s not an illness. It is a neurological and developmental disorder that causes someone’s brain to work differently from other people. According to a 2017 study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), children aged between 1 and 10 years are more likely to be diagnosed with autism, resulting in a prevalence rate of 0.15% in India.

How Does Occupational Therapy Benefit Children With Autism?

Another NCBI study suggests that certain therapies can reduce the symptoms of autism and help autistic people improve their abilities. One of the most beneficial therapies is occupational therapy. Many therapy professionals recommend occupational therapy for autism, especially during an autistic child’s preschool time or even before. Occupational therapy (OT) helps autistic children perform their daily activities. For example; OT teaches a child with autism to button their shirt on their own or hold a fork correctly, or anything related to their work, school, play, and the like.

Furthermore, sensory integration techniques are one of the most vital elements of an autism therapy program. This is mostly because autistic children tend to experience sensory processing dysfunction.

How Do Our Therapy Experts Employ Sensory Integration Techniques in Occupational Therapy?

Our skilled therapy professionals work closely with each autistic child to understand their sensory processing difficulties. They conduct diverse sensory-rich activities and occupational therapeutic interventions depending on an autistic child’s unique needs and goals. These interventions help autistic children regulate their responses to sensory input, develop greater sensory awareness, and improve their overall sensory processing abilities. With a demonstrated history of success, our organization can assure that our occupational therapy program for autism is highly beneficial, improving attention and concentration, promoting comfort, enhancing social interactions, and increasing engagement in daily activities.

Our sensory integration techniques are engaging and meaningful, designed to meet the unique preferences of each child. Our therapy experts conduct sessions in a supportive and nurturing environment and have incorporated the following activities into the occupational therapy program –

• Exploring different textures
• Participating in movement-based activities
• Engaging in sensory play
• Encouraging exploration, learning, and growth

At RCD Memorial Foundation, our occupational therapists work closely with parents and educators of the children in our care. The session is divided into two significant parts: evaluation and therapy. Our therapists observe whether a child can do tasks they’re expected to do at their ages. Once they gather information, they develop personalized programs for each child. Our occupation therapy for autism includes:

• Play activities
• Developmental activities
• Physical activities
• Adaptive strategies

Sensory Integration Techniques Our Therapists Employ

Sensory integration therapy helps autistic children manage their sensitivities and cravings. At our NGO, we follow certain sensory interventions that can help with both performance and sensory challenges. The following are some essential sensory integration interventions we employ:

1. Accommodations and adaptations (wearing headphones to reduce noise)
2. Environmental modifications (decrease sensory stimulation like artwork or other types of decor
3. Remedial intervention (swinging or massage)
4. Sensory diet programs (daily menu planning, aromatherapy, quiet space, weighted blanket, stress balls, or other items of distraction)
5. Education (involving family members, administrators, and caregivers)

Changing Lives, Empowering Autism Through Occupational Therapy

We aim to enhance the lives of autistic children, making them capable of better engaging with the world around them. By including sensory integration techniques in our occupational therapy sessions, we try to provide holistic and customized therapy services, representing inclusion, independence, and quality of life for children with autism. Connect with us to transform lives, one step at a time.