Today’s topic of Autism Awareness is Sensory Integration Issues. Sensory Integration Dysfunction or Sensory processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition, where multi sensory integration is not adequately processed in order to provide appropriate responses to the demands of the environment.
Different sensory integration issues makes it difficult for most autistic persons to behave like other “neuro-typical” persons in many situations. Intentionally I don’t use the term “normal”, because after seeing and dealing with many persons with autism, I am not clear who is “normal”.
It takes time for parents to identify and understand the sensory issues.
In the case of Pratibha, she has very little physical pain. She had sensory issues with darkness, water and loud noise. We couldn’t take her to any place, where there is loud noise and darkness. Also couldn’t take her to beach, swimming pool etc. Another peculiar sensory issue is with drinking water. We have to change the taste of water by adding few drops of lemon to water, so that she can drink. It took us quite some time to realise that it is a sensory issue.
Once I was sitting in a get together of parents with autism. Our children were also there. Suddenly one girl comes from behind and puts the top button on my shirt and leaves. She does it for many people sitting there. Yes, she can’t tolerate “Clumsy” buttoning. A sensory issue.
Many special schools, where Autistic children go, have sensory rooms, sensory toys and sensory walkways that help the children develop different senses and reduce their sensory integration issues. Sensory rooms are softly lit, quiet space filled with captivating lights, soothing sounds, and cozy swings. It’s like a playground but intended for taking a breather, instead of burning off excess energy.
Occupational Therapists are skilled and trained to help address sensory issues. Sad to see that we don’t have enough Occupational Therapists in the country. Considering the rise in autistic population, it is imperative that we need to have more occupational therapists.
For many years Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) was seen as a “symptom” of autism, but a breakthrough study in 2013 found that this disorder had a biological basis that separated it from many other neurological disorders. Recently it was established that SPD is actually a standalone disorder, and that children can have SPD and not autism, and vice versa.
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