SENSORY INTEGRATION IN AUTISM (SENSIOUS INTEGRATION THERAPY)
Until recently, it was not clear why autistic individuals had tantrums, why they were uncomfortable in social areas, and the reasons for their feeding problems. Now we know the reasons. Many of them are due to sensory problems of autistic individuals. There is hypersensitivity in one or more senses in autistic individuals. For example, autistic individuals with sensitive hearing cannot enter noisy environments, even if they do, they cover their ears with their hands, and some even have crying and tantrums.
Individuals with a sensitive sense of smell may react to odors such as cologne and perfume
Individuals with autism who are sensitive to touch either do not like to be touched at all or it gives them pleasure to be touched. Individuals who do not like to be touched do not like behaviors such as holding someone else’s hand, hugging, kissing
This condition, which includes the five senses, cannot be cured with any medical treatment yet. The most effective method applied and getting results is the sensory integration study. The social life of autistic individuals and their families becomes easier with the sensory integration work applied to the sensitive senses.
In sensory integration therapy, first of all, it is determined in which senses the child is sensitive. At the beginning of the therapy process, the work is started with the sense that is the least sensitive. The sense, which is more of a problem, is left to a later stage. Because if you start working with the sense that has more problems, the person will seriously react to these studies and show resistance.
The reward system is also used in sensory integration therapies with children. While working on the problem experienced sense, the non-problematic sense can be rewarded. Thus, the child is also motivated to work.
Sensory integration therapy (Sensory Integration) should be applied by people who have been trained on this subject and in sensory rooms where specially prepared materials are available.
When choosing the materials used, it should be noted that they have different features that will appeal to the 5 senses. In addition, considering that children with autism are sensitive to sensory problems, their safety should also be ensured.
