Sensory Integration in Autism

Abstract

There is increasing evidence about the presence of SPD among individuals with ASD, however its pattern can be considered unique for each individual. Increasing evidence has indicated that SPD could be improved by interventions or by modifying environmental stimulation to meet children’s neurological needs. Further, the description of distinct sensory subtypes and characteristics in ASD provides clinicians with guidelines for the identification of children likely to benefit most from sensory-based intervention techniques.It is often seen as one of the first signs that parents notice in their children with ASD, and therefore, may facilitate early diagnosis and intervention. Atypical responses to multisensory, touch, and oral sensory/olfactory stimuli were identified as possible predictors of social severity, which may offer sensory implications for diagnosis and intervention addressing social issues in children with ASD. The earlier a disorder is recognized, the earlier a child is able to seek help, and more effective outcomes of treatment can be achieved. Children with ASD may be at risk for limited participation in leisure activities. The unique atypical sensory processing abilities known to characterize children with ASD may contribute to their limited participation. The fact, that children with ASD are often included in regular daily routine settings and are expected to participate in activities with their peers, elucidates the need to evaluate their participation patterns as early as possible as well as the impacts of possible limitations, as in sensory processing, on their participation. Including the assessment of sensory processing abilities and identifying their impacts on the activities in which the child participates, avoids, does not enjoy or feel comfortable with, may assist in incorporating sensory friendly environment into the child’s daily lives in ways that meet the child’s needs. Intervention should also include supervision for the families, teachers and the community in regard to options that may increase the optimal inclusion of children with ASD in society and elevate their self-esteem and well-being. There is controversy about the use of sensory integration approach in the treatment of SPD, where some studies confirm its effectiveness, but others recorded no differences before and after treatment. However this is mostly due to the little number of researches done in this field and those studies had a very limited number of participants, and were done along a short period of time. So, more researches are needed in this field.