Sensory integration therapy is a common domain in the field of Occupational Therapy. Through this blog I have discussed; what it is, who it can be used on, sensory rooms, theories, interventions and activities used within the model. Now it was time to research the outcomes of sensory integration therapy in relation to children with Autism.
A recent study showed children with Autism observed during sensory integration therapy showed significant improvements in play and demonstrated less 'non engaged play'. However, another study conducted on children with Autism showed those children who had average to hyper-response to sensory stimuli tended to have better outcomes than those who has hypo-responsive patterns (National Research Council, 2011). It is important to note that as Occupational Therapists we need to be diverse with our therapy and ensure we are able to adapt therapy to adequately suit our clients needs.'Sensory Integration Therapy is not meant to be the only therapy that a child with Autism receives and can be used in conjunction with an educational treatment program, speech services or other framework (Cohen, 2000). On a whole, research to date has been inconclusive.Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, director of the Knowledge in Development
Foundation, which specializes in sensory dysfunction and sensory
dysfunction therapy, says: "Outcomes depend, but we do see major
changes." Miller stresses the importance of including and teaching
parents, and discusses the importance of concrete, short-term
goals that are customized to each patient and his or her family, ensuring client centered practice (Rudy, 2010).
References:
Cohen, S.
(2000).Targeting
Autism: What We Know, Don't Know, and Can Do to Help Young Children with Autism
Spectrum Disorders. University of California Press.
National
Research Council. (2011). Educating Children with Autism. United States. Committee
of Educational Interventions for Children with Autism.
