How to Use Neurosensory Therapies to Treat Autism

People who suffer from autism are often overloaded with sensory input that may affect any or all of their five senses. They may be unable to combine the use of their senses naturally and may need to learn how to enhance some of their senses or tone down others. Neurosensory therapies can provide a calming effect so autistic children can learn more effectively. Read on to learn more about how to use neurosensory therapies to treat autism.

Things You'll Need

• Balance Beam
• Hammock
• Beans, sand or water for sensory bins

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Instructions

Use Sensory Integration Therapy to Treat Autism

• 1

  Use neurosensory therapies such as sensory integration therapy (SIT) to counteract the effects of sensory overload often experienced by people with autism. Sensory experiences may either be blocked or exaggerated, so some people with autism crave human contact, while it may be painful for others. Some people have violent reactions to loud noises, while others don't notice them. SIT methods used by occupational therapists can balance and filter sensory input.

• 2

  Create an environment where a child can have fun while learning how to incorporate all five senses. Fill sensory bins with tactile objects such as beans, sand and water. Include space to run and dance, erect a balance beam, set up a hammock for swinging.

• 3

  Use SIT methods to help children who are sensitive to sensations that occur during everyday activities, such as dressing or brushing teeth. Neursosensory therapies can help people with autism build tolerance to these sensations so they can perform daily tasks.

• 4

  Retrain senses that cause people with autism to appear either overactive or lethargic through SIT methods that include spinning, rolling and swinging. SIT methods teach children to combine all five senses through activities, which can improve motor skills, organizational habits and awareness of one's body moving through space.

Use Additional Neurosensory Therapies to Treat Autism

• 5

  Reduce hypersensitivity to sound through auditory integration training (AIT). By using different frequencies, therapists can modify the way an autistic child processes sound. Some methods use classical music with low, and later, missing frequencies.

• 6

  Use holding therapy to establish parental bonds that may be lacking. Many autistic children are unable to bond with mothers as infants. Holding Therapy encourages mothers to hold children, even when they are resistant, to establish that bond. Though controversial, proponents believe it provides much needed sensory stimulation for autistic children.