It is assumed that children with autism spectrum disorders either are under- or over-aroused by common sights, sounds, and other environmental events, have a motor apraxia (difficulty responding to sensory input despite having the desire and physical capacity to do so) or struggle to understand where their bodies are in space. These assumptions form the basis for sensorimotor therapies and in order to increase muscle tone, a child’s body is manipulated as part of neurodevelopmental therapy.
What is sensorimotor therapy?
Paediatric occupational therapists typically oversee programs like sensory integration treatment and may create and carry out a customized program of sensory encounters for a kid with autism. Children who struggle to use touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing can benefit from a sensory integration treatment or Sensorimotor Program.
This therapy is supposed to help with problematic or repeated behaviour. These actions may be a result of problems with sensory information processing. Other aspects of autism, such as challenges with play and emotional control, are sometimes addressed by therapists with the use of sensory integration treatment.
Who would benefit from sensorimotor therapy?
People who struggle with sensory processing or comprehending sensory input benefit from sensory integration treatment. Children with autism are primarily included in this.
What does sensorimotor therapy include?
Sensorimotor therapy starts with an assessment of the child by an occupational therapist. The therapist then prepares and implements a program that includes activities to trigger sensory reactions from the child, in particular, responses to do with balance and physical movement.
Swinging, bouncing, and climbing are a few examples of this. The goal of sensory integration therapy is to be a component of larger programs that also include behavioural, educational, and communicative therapies.
How is sensorimotor an appropriate therapy to children with ASD?
The majority of experiences that people encounter simultaneously stimulate many senses. We take in this various sensory information and combine it to gain a comprehensive understanding of the world around us.
Autistic children can have trouble synthesizing sensory information in this way. The goal of sensorimotor therapy is to teach children how to better interpret and use sensory information through physical activities and exercises.
How will sensorimotor therapy help my child?
Occupational therapists use a scientific, step-by-step approach using gold-standard examinations to discover what your child’s developing nervous system needs most, and then construct a personalized treatment program from there. Sensorimotor therapy is only effective if the parent or guardian cooperate with the therapist as well. Together, they can decide which approaches will work best for each child. As a result, important sensorimotor objectives can be achieved more quickly.
The particular way a child processes sensory information from their environment is reflected in their behaviour patterns. The brain’s sensory processing networks, which are closely tied to the networks that organize and carry out muscular output, organize and integrate incoming sensory information. Sensory and motor networks are strongly intertwined, and therapy to target one domain is most effective when paired with techniques and tactics to target the other.
