Posted on May 8th, 2023.

If you're the parent or caregiver of a child with autism, you know that sensory challenges can be a daily struggle. Sensory processing issues can make it difficult for children with autism to navigate their environment and engage in everyday activities. That's where occupational therapy comes in.

Occupational therapists are trained to work with children with autism to help them improve their sensory processing skills and overcome sensory challenges. 

In this blog post, we'll explore seven strategies for sensory challenges that occupational therapy can provide to help children with autism.

Understanding Sensory Processing Issues

Sensory processing issues are common among individuals with autism. These issues occur when the brain has difficulty processing and responding to sensory information from the environment. 

Here are some of the most common sensory processing issues that children with autism may experience:

• Hypersensitivity to sensory input: This means that a child may be easily overwhelmed or overstimulated by certain sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
• Hyposensitivity to sensory input: This means that a child may not be as responsive to certain sensory stimuli as they should be. For example, they may not notice when someone touches them or may not react to pain.
• Sensory seeking behavior: This occurs when a child seeks out certain sensory experiences, such as spinning, jumping, or crashing into things.
• Sensory avoidance behavior: This occurs when a child actively avoids certain sensory experiences, such as loud noises or bright lights.
• Difficulty with sensory discrimination: This means that a child may have difficulty distinguishing between different types of sensory input. For example, they may not be able to differentiate between different textures or may have difficulty recognizing facial expressions.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Autism

Now that we've explored some of the sensory processing issues that children with autism may experience, let's take a closer look at how occupational therapy can help address these challenges. 

Here are some of the key benefits of occupational therapy for children with autism:

• Improved Sensory Processing: Occupational therapy can help children with autism develop better sensory processing skills, allowing them to more effectively navigate their environment and engage in daily activities.
• Increased Independence: By developing key life skills, such as self-care, communication, and socialization, occupational therapy can help children with autism become more independent and self-sufficient.
• Enhanced Socialization: Occupational therapy can help children with autism improve their socialization skills, such as taking turns, sharing, and understanding social cues, which can improve their ability to interact with others and form meaningful relationships.
• Better Behavior Management: Occupational therapy can provide strategies for managing challenging behaviors in children with autism, such as developing coping mechanisms and reducing anxiety.
• Improved Academic Performance: Occupational therapy can help children with autism improve their attention, focus, and problem-solving skills, which can lead to better academic performance and success.
• Enhanced Motor Skills: By engaging in activities that promote gross and fine motor skills, occupational therapy can help children with autism improve their physical abilities and coordination.
• Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: By improving skills and abilities, occupational therapy can help children with autism feel more confident and positive about themselves and their abilities.

Occupational therapy provides a holistic approach to addressing the unique needs of children with autism, helping them develop the skills and abilities they need to thrive. Now, let's explore some specific strategies that occupational therapists can use to help children with autism overcome sensory challenges.

Related:

• The Development of Children: A Brief Look 
• Cognitive Development and Therapy for Helping Children Develop Into Healthy Adults

How Occupational Therapy can Help Children With Autism – 7 Strategies for Sensory Challenges

Occupational therapy can provide a range of strategies to help children with autism improve their sensory processing skills and overcome sensory challenges. 

Here are seven strategies that may be used:

1. Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration therapy is a type of occupational therapy that focuses on improving a child's ability to process and respond to sensory information from the environment. This type of therapy typically involves engaging in activities that provide sensory input, such as swinging, bouncing, or spinning.

The therapist works with the child to gradually increase the intensity and duration of these activities, helping them become more comfortable with different types of sensory input. Over time, the child may become less sensitive to certain sensory stimuli, making it easier for them to navigate their environment.

2. Environmental Modifications

Sometimes, modifying the environment can be an effective strategy for addressing sensory challenges. Occupational therapists can work with parents and caregivers to identify potential triggers in the child's environment and make modifications to help reduce sensory input. 

For example, adding noise-cancelling headphones to a child's sensory diet can help them cope with loud noises, or using calming colors in the child's bedroom can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable.

3. Deep Pressure Therapy

Deep pressure therapy involves applying pressure to the body, typically through activities like wrapping the child in a weighted blanket or engaging in activities like push-ups or bear hugs. This type of therapy can help provide a sense of calm and security, which can be particularly helpful for children who struggle with hypersensitivity to sensory input.

4. Movement-Based Activities

Movement-based activities, such as yoga or dance, can be effective strategies for addressing sensory challenges in children with autism. These activities can help improve body awareness, balance, and coordination, which can help children feel more comfortable in their environment.

5. Visual Supports

Visual supports, such as picture schedules or social stories, can be effective tools for helping children with autism understand and anticipate sensory input. These supports can help children prepare for and cope with sensory experiences, reducing anxiety and improving their ability to participate in daily activities.

6. Play-Based Activities

Play-based activities can be a fun and engaging way to help children with autism improve their sensory processing skills. These activities can include playing with sensory toys, engaging in art projects, or participating in outdoor activities. 

By incorporating sensory input into play-based activities, children can learn to better process and respond to sensory information.

7. Parent and Caregiver Education

Finally, education is a critical component of occupational therapy for children with autism. Occupational therapists can work with parents and caregivers to help them better understand their child's sensory challenges and provide strategies for addressing them. 

By empowering parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to support their child, occupational therapy can have a lasting impact on a child's ability to navigate their environment and engage in everyday activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, occupational therapy can provide a range of strategies to help children with autism improve their sensory processing skills and overcome sensory challenges. By working with an occupational therapist, parents and caregivers can help their child navigate daily life with more ease and independence. 

At Chicago Therapeutic Intervention, we offer a range of occupational therapy services to support children with autism and their families. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, please don't hesitate to contact us at (331) 299-8003 or email us at [email protected]. We are dedicated to helping children with autism reach their full potential and thrive in all areas of life.