Not all children with autism have sensory problems among their symptoms, but
when present they are among the first to become noticeable. Sensory issues can
range from being hypersensitive or, at the other end of the scale, having a lack
of response to many types of stimulation. However by employing sensory
integration and autism therapy these issues can be managed.
The range of sensory integration (SI) issues children with autism face varies
dramatically from child to child. Some children are unable to tolerate any loud
or unusual noise. Textures of foods and fabrics may be extremely irritating.
Something as simple as a clothing label can feel to an autistic child like
insects crawling over their skin. For these hypersensitive children anything
remotely out of the ordinary, such as a loud family gathering with lots of
hugging and kissing, can be too much for senses to manage.
On the other end of the spectrum, some autistic children show practically no
response to anything at all. Loud noises are ignored, events or actions that
might have an impact on anyone else will pass seemingly unnoticed.
Though it is not always the case, some classic autistic behaviors can be
attributed to the sensory issues themselves.
Some children will deal with feelings of over-stimulation by flapping hands,
rocking their bodies, and even walking in different ways. Those behaviors may
seem odd, however when you consider that their senses are overloaded, those
actions make a great deal more sense.
It is somewhat logical if an autistic child is over-stimulated, he or she might
alter how they do things in order to try to deal with whatever it is that is
proving to be overwhelming. These same actions might also be carried out in
order to seek sensations that are desired, but not present.
The main objective of sensory integration and autism therapy is to make their
environment tolerable and even pleasant for the child if at all possible. Most
sensory integration therapy is incorporated within occupational therapy.
There are many types of activities that are integrated into the therapy to
expose the child to sensations of all types; including brushing the skin,
motions and movements, music or other auditory stimuli.
The child is exposed over and over again in a controlled environment in the hope
that this exposure will help them learn to process the information without
becoming startled or overwhelmed. If ST therapy is successful, the child usually
becomes calmer and more in control of their actions and other problems, such as
tantrums, may also be diminished.
There is debate over how effective SI therapy can be. There are several studies
that demonstrate the therapy works well and just as many have illustrated that
the therapy has no positive impact and in some case a negative effect.
Some of the controversy with this therapy may lie with unspecialized health care
professionals attempting to provide the therapy without enough experience or
training. Another point to bear in mind that as each child and each case of
autism is different, so the outcome will never be the same for any two children,
therefore it is very hard to compare outcomes between two or more children.
When considering sensory integration and autism therapy for your child it is
important to speak to a qualified doctor about the potential benefits and
setbacks that may occur. Some children with autism simply don't need this form
of therapy, while others will not respond to it at all. It is the individual
situation that will dictate the final result.

Critical Information To Maximize the Potential of Someone With Autism:
http://autismgd.cjb.net/