Sensory integration in children with autism refers to the way in which their nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the environment. Read the document to know more about challenges of sensory processing in children with Autism.

1. Challenges of Sensory Processing in Children with Autism

2. Contents
❖ Sensory Processing Disorder
❖ Sensory Processing Disorder in Autistic Children
❖ Causes of Sensory Processing Disorder
❖ Signs & Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
❖ Challenges of SPD in Autistic Children
❖ Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder
❖ Sensory Integration Therapy
❖ Sensory Integration Therapies for Autistic Children

3. Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing, also known as sensory integration, refers to the way in which our nervous system
receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the environment. Sensory information
includes things we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. Our nervous system then processes this information
and helps us to respond in an appropriate manner. Sensory processing is important for everyday activities
such as communication, social interactions, motor skills, and overall well-being. For individuals with
sensory processing differences or difficulties, sensory information may be processed differently, leading
to challenges in their daily lives. This can include sensory seeking (seeking out more sensory input than
typical), sensory avoiding (avoiding certain sensory input), or sensory sensitivity (becoming overwhelmed
or distressed by certain sensory input). Sensory processing challenges can occur in individuals with
various conditions such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or other developmental
differences.

4. Sensory Processing Disorder in Autistic Children
Sensory integration in children with autism refers to the way in which their nervous system receives,
interprets, and responds to sensory information from the environment. Children with autism often
experience sensory processing differences, meaning that they may process sensory information
differently from typically developing children. This can lead to challenges in their daily lives, including
difficulties with social communication, behavior, and everyday activities.

5. Sensory Processing Disorder in Autistic Children
Some common sensory processing differences in children with autism include:
● Sensory sensitivity: Children with autism may become easily overwhelmed or distressed by certain
sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
● Sensory seeking: Some children with autism may actively seek out more sensory input than typical,
such as spinning, jumping, or touching objects.
● Sensory avoiding: Other children with autism may avoid certain sensory input, such as avoiding
touching certain textures or avoiding loud places.

6. Sensory Processing Disorder in Autistic Children
The differences in sensory processing can have a significant impact on the child's behaviour and overall
well-being. For example, a child with sensory sensitivity may become overwhelmed in a noisy classroom,
leading to increased stress and decreased attention. A child who is sensory seeking may engage in
repetitive or self-stimulatory behaviours to fulfil their sensory needs, leading to challenges in social
interaction. Sensory integration therapy is a common intervention used to support children with autism
and sensory processing differences. This therapy involves structured activities that aim to provide the
child with appropriate sensory input to help regulate their nervous system and improve their ability to
process sensory information. Environmental modifications, such as providing a quiet space or using
visual supports, can also be helpful in supporting sensory needs in children with autism.

7. Causes of Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and
interpreting sensory information from the environment, which can lead to a range of challenges with
movement, behavior, and socialization. SPD is often associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and
research suggests that up to 80% of children with ASD may also have SPD. The causes of SPD in autistic
children are not yet fully understood, but there are several factors that may contribute to the development
of the condition. These include:

8. Causes of Sensory Processing Disorder
● Genetic factors: Research has shown that there may be a genetic component to both ASD and
SPD. Studies have identified specific genes that are associated with sensory processing
difficulties, and these genes may be more common in children with ASD.
● Brain development: Early brain development plays a crucial role in the development of sensory
processing abilities. In some children with ASD, there may be differences in the way that the
brain processes sensory information, which can contribute to SPD.
● Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as toxins or infections
during pregnancy, may increase the risk of developing both ASD and SPD. Additionally,
experiences in early childhood, such as traumatic events or neglect, may contribute to the
development of SPD.
● Neurological conditions: Children with other neurological conditions, such as ADHD or
developmental coordination disorder, may be more likely to also have SPD.

9. Signs & Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
The major signs and symptoms of sensory processing disorder include:
● Over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to touch, taste, smell, sight, or sound
● Difficulty with balance and coordination
● Sensitivity to certain fabrics or clothing textures
● Refusal to wear certain types of clothing or shoes
● Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil or using scissors
● Difficulty with gross motor skills, such as running or jumping
● Poor attention and focus
● Easily overwhelmed in busy or noisy environments
● Intense emotional reactions to sensory stimuli
● Delayed speech or language development

10. Challenges of SPD in Autistic Children
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) can present unique
challenges for children with autism spectrum disorder
(ASD). It is important for parents, caregivers, and
teachers to be aware of the challenges that children
with ASD and SPD may face and to provide
appropriate support and accommodations to help
them thrive. This may include sensory-friendly
environments, specialized therapies, and individualized
education plans.

11. Challenges of SPD in Autistic Children
Here are some of the challenges that children with ASD and SPD may face:
● Difficulty processing sensory information: Children with ASD may have difficulty processing
sensory information from the environment, which can lead to overstimulation, discomfort, and
anxiety.
● Unusual reactions to sensory input: Children with ASD and SPD may have unusual reactions to
sensory input, such as being hypersensitive to certain sounds or textures, or seeking out sensory
stimulation in unusual ways.
● Communication difficulties: Children with ASD and SPD may struggle to communicate their
sensory needs and preferences, which can make it difficult for caregivers and teachers to provide
appropriate support.
●

12. Challenges of SPD in Autistic Children
● Behavioral challenges: Children with ASD and SPD may exhibit challenging behaviors in response to
sensory input, such as avoidance, tantrums, or self-injurious behaviors.
● Difficulty with social interactions: Children with ASD and SPD may have difficulty with social
interactions, which can be further complicated by sensory challenges.
● Impaired learning: Children with ASD and SPD may struggle to learn and participate in educational
activities that require certain sensory skills, such as handwriting or fine motor activities.

13. Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder
The diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder is typically made by a licensed healthcare professional,
such as an occupational therapist, psychologist, or pediatrician. It is important to seek out a qualified
healthcare professional with experience in sensory processing disorders for an accurate diagnosis and
appropriate treatment. Jewel Autism Centre offers the best diagnosis for sensory processing disorders
and provided the best treatment with timely updations and therapy materials under the sensory
integration therapy approaches. The therapy program focuses on evaluation and training of gross motor
skills, fine motor skills, cognitive-perceptual skills, pre-writing skills, activities of daily living, social skills,
play skills, and sensory integrative dysfunction.

14. Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder
The diagnostic process typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's sensory
processing abilities, which may include:
● Medical history: The healthcare professional will take a detailed medical history, including the
individual's developmental history, family history, and any current symptoms or concerns.
● Sensory profile: The healthcare professional may use a standardized questionnaire or sensory
profile to assess the individual's sensory processing patterns and behaviors.
● Direct observation: The healthcare professional may directly observe the individual's sensory
processing abilities through play-based or task-oriented activities.

15. Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder
● Parent/teacher reports: The healthcare professional may also gather information from parents,
teachers, or other caregivers about the individual's sensory behaviors and how they affect daily
functioning.
● Diagnostic criteria: The healthcare professional will consider the diagnostic criteria for SPD, as
outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which includes
criteria for both sensory sensitivity and sensory seeking behaviors.

16. Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy is a type of therapy that aims to help individuals with sensory processing
disorders to better integrate and respond to sensory information from their environment. Sensory
processing disorders can affect how individuals perceive and respond to various sensory inputs such
as touch, sound, smell, taste, and visual stimuli. The goal of sensory integration therapy is to help
individuals with sensory processing disorders to better adapt to and interact with their environment. It
can be helpful for individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental delays. However, it is important to note that sensory
integration therapy is not a cure for these conditions and should be used as part of a comprehensive
treatment plan.

17. Sensory Integration Therapies for Autistic Children
Here are some common therapies for sensory integration disorder in autistic children:
● Occupational Therapy:
Occupational therapy focuses on helping children
with autism develop the skills they need to perform
daily activities, including sensory integration. An
occupational therapist can work with children to
develop sensory diets, which are individualized
plans that incorporate specific sensory activities to
help regulate their sensory system.

18. Sensory Integration Therapies for Autistic Children
● Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA):
ABA is a type of therapy that is often used to treat autism. It involves breaking down complex behaviors
into smaller, more manageable steps and teaching them in a structured and repetitive way. ABA can also
be used to help children with sensory integration disorder learn how to process and respond to sensory
information more effectively.

19. Sensory Integration Therapies for Autistic Children
● Speech Therapy:
Speech therapy can help children with autism
improve their communication skills, which can
also help them better understand and process
sensory information. For example, a speech
therapist may work with a child to help them
learn how to identify and describe different
sensory experiences.

20. Sensory Integration Therapies for Autistic Children
● Play Therapy:
Play therapy can be a useful tool for helping
children with autism develop their sensory
integration skills. Play therapists can use
sensory-rich activities, such as sand play,
water play, or finger painting, to help children
explore and regulate their sensory systems.

21. Visit Our Website to more about Sensory Processing in Children with
Autism:
https://www.jewelautismcentre.com/departments/sensory-integration-therapy-autism/

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