Overview
People with autism typically demonstrate difficulties processing information that they take in with their sense organs–eyes, ears, skin, muscles, inner ears and even their nose and taste buds. They also can have difficulties modulating their responses to stimuli such as touch or movement. As a result, they might ignore people and objects and/or overreact to sensations; however, symptoms greatly vary depending on the person’s cognitive level, type and severity of the processing disorder.
Autism and Sensory Modulation Disorders
Sensory modulation is the ability to regulate one’s level of alertness in order to pay attention, learn and work. Symptoms of a sensory modulation impairment include being overly alert to the point where small sensations such as noise or a pat on the shoulder could cause a temper tantrum or decreased alertness where the person is too sluggish to pay attention. Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenger, creators of the “Alert Program,” describe children on the autism spectrum as having brains that are like engines. They teach children that sometimes their “engine” is running fast and sometimes it is running slow and the goal is to make the engine work “just right.” Occupational therapists create sensory “diets, “which are activities to help children bring their engines to an optimal state. High engines can be slowed down by squeezing balls, listening to relaxing music and dimming the lights. Sleepy engines can be perked up with erratic music, dancing, bright lights and tickles.
Sensory Defensive
People with autism can be overly sensitive to sensory stimuli and avoid touching certain textures or eating foods with strong tastes (they are often picky eaters). Their sensory systems are overactive and they might become agitated when the environment is overwhelming, such as at the mall, or have a temper tantrum when unexpectedly touched. The term “sensory defensiveness” describes all of these strong reactions to sensations that don’t bother most people.
Sensory-Seeking Behaviors
Some people with autism are “sensory seekers,” meaning their sensory systems are under-active. Their brains don’t process information well and they need an excessive amount of stimulation in order to feel good. These people might throw their bodies on the floor, against other people or even bang themselves. They love fast movement and can tolerate long periods of spinning without getting dizzy. Occupational therapists provide the type of movement and touch activities that helps the person receive the intense stimulation he seeks.
Autism and Motor Difficulties
Children with autism and a dysfunction in sensory integration (DSI) often demonstrate poor motor skills. They typically have low muscle tone, which makes it difficult to endure sitting in a chair, waiting on line or sitting with legs crossed during circle time because muscles are constantly working against gravity while stationary. It is much easier to run around, and these children often seem to have endless energy. However, children with autism frequently have awkward gaits and might walk on their toes. Decreased eye contact can result in their knocking over objects and running into people. In addition, they have difficulties coordinating the right and left sides of their body during gross motor activities such as pumping a swing or fine motor activities such as cutting paper. Children with DSI might not demonstrate a consistent hand preference and therefore struggle to develop skill to do a complex task such as writing. Occupational therapists promote these skills with sensory activities such as removing pennies from a ball of putty, coloring on paper placed over sandpaper shapes or tossing bean bags at a target while swinging.
Benefits of Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy provides the types of sensory experiences that help the brain to become organized. This organization in turn promotes coordination, attention and learning. Occupational therapists provide activities that stimulate the vestibular (or balance) sense, muscles and joints and skin. Children with organized brains are then ready to pay attention, can maintain their posture and learn higher level skills such as reading and writing.
About this Author
Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L, is a graduate of Tufts University with more than 30 years of experience working with children and adults with disabilities. She is the author of “The Recycling Occupational Therapist” — a guide to designing and fabricating therapeutic activities and “Still giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer’s Victim You Love.”
