Supporting Your Child with Autism Through Sensory Integration
Children with autism often have sensory sensitivities, meaning they might react strongly to certain sights, sounds, smells, textures, or tastes. These sensitivities can lead to meltdowns, withdrawal, or discomfort in everyday situations. Helping your child navigate these challenges is key to supporting their emotional well-being and overall development.
What is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration refers to the process by which the brain organizes and interprets sensory input from the environment. For neurodiverse children, particularly those with autism, sensory integration issues can lead to either over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to stimuli. This can manifest as:
Over-sensitivity: A strong reaction to lights, textures, or sounds.
Under-sensitivity: A lack of response to certain sensations, leading to self-stimulatory behaviours (e.g., flapping hands, rocking).
How Sensory Integration Therapy Can Help
Sensory integration therapy aims to help children process and respond to sensory stimuli more effectively. It includes activities that stimulate the senses in a controlled manner, helping children learn how to manage sensory input without becoming overwhelmed.
Practical Tips for Supporting Sensory Needs at Home
Create a calm space: Designate a quiet area where your child can go to self-soothe when they feel overstimulated.
Use sensory toys: Incorporate fidget toys or textured materials to provide sensory input in a controlled way.
Practice sensory breaks: Encourage regular breaks to help your child reset and process sensory overload.
Supporting sensory integration through structured activities and environmental adjustments can help your child manage sensitivities and thrive in everyday situations. If you’d like to learn more about how sensory integration can help your child, book a consultation with me today.
