Sensory Assessment

Sensory integration with children diagnosed with Autism is a critical component for their treatment. I am often surprised at how often this is over looked when people work with these special children. Here is a list of the areas that these children can have difficulties with:

Proprioceptive
Vestibular
Tactile
Oral Motor
Visual
Auditory
Multi sensory
Modulation to endurance /tone
Modulation related to body position and movement
Modulation of movement affecting activity level
Modulation of Sensory Input affecting emotional responses
Modulation of visual input affecting emotional responses and activity levels
Behaviour and Emotional Responses
Behaviour outcomes of sensory processing
Threshold response

Now you can see just how difficult it can be for most of these children. Sometimes all of these systems can play havoc all at once. No wonder...they have stimulation problems! If all of these systems are not "working" properly, then these children can have a complete disconnect from brain to body.

This is a critical component when working with these children. Completing a sensory profile for your child, can be a critical tool for your treatment plan and team. These issues will often require the assistance of an experienced Occupational Therapist, physical therapist, and experienced therapists to work with your child. Sensory diets and exercises should be included into a well balanced therapy program.

We also need to be careful to not overload this delicate balance of sensory systems. There are some negative responses that can occur if this system is challenged too much or not handled with care.