Sensory integration therapy is a type of autism therapy that helps those with sensory-processing problems to cope with challenges. For those who have a teenager with an autism spectrum disorder, this type of therapy works to improve quality of life and communication. It is one of the therapies we offer at Camp Worth in Fort Worth, Texas.
What Is Sensory Integration Therapy?
Sensory integration describes the process that the brain uses to gather information from each of the five senses, organize that information, and then respond to it properly. In some people with autism, sensory processing deficits exist. This can impact the way children with autism behave, as well as their life skills development. Many children, for example, are hypersensitive or hyposensitive to various types of stimuli. It could be loud sounds, bright lights, or other elements. When these situations occur, children with autism may feel intense discomfort.
Sensory integration therapy aims to help those with this disorder work through difficult situations when they happen. They learn to cope with the situation and, over time, develop skills to manage it.
How Is Sensory Integration Therapy Introduced?
When working with a child with a processing disorder, it’s not the best approach to simply expose them to the sound or other experience that causes this type of intense discomfort. Instead, it has to be introduced gradually in a safe manner. Often, this is done through play-oriented therapy. For example, swings or slides can be helpful. The use of weighted vests or deep pressure can also be helpful to some children and often leads to calming. The benefits of this include:
- Helping a child to reduce stress in that heightened moment
- Increasing the child’s threshold for tolerating those sensory environments
- Aids in reinforcing positive behaviors
- Helps to make transitioning from stressful situations into calmness easier
- Improves a child’s quality of life as a result
Can Sensory Integration Therapy Help Your Child?
There’s no real way to know if this type of autism treatment will benefit a child until it is considered and tried. Our team at Camp Worth encourages this type of support because it can prove to be highly effective without much disruption in the children’s learning or daily routine.
The effectiveness of this type of therapy is really based on the personal experience of the children. Some children are unable to engage in these activities. Other times, it may take going through a wide range of therapy methods to find one that works. For example, the only thing that can help some children to calm down after a heightened, stressful event is swinging. For others, it may be wearing a weighted vest. Finding the right solution may take time. but is worth the effort.
Is This the Right Autism Treatment for Your Child?
To find out if sensory integration therapy is the right autism treatment option for your child’s needs, turn to our team at Discover Camp Worth. Let us discuss the options for improving your child’s quality of life. Our autism education and resources are always designed to be positive, motivating, and engaging. We believe that children with this type of disorder can find the support they need. Sometimes, it just takes the right environment. Our team offers a range of complementary services and autism education resources, each designed to enable treatment and support for long-term growth and wellbeing. To find out if this therapy can help your child, reach out to our team today.
Find the Help You Need When You Contact Discover Camp Worth Today
Could sensory integration therapy be beneficial for your child? You don’t have to guess about what may work. Instead, turn to Camp Worth in Fort Worth, Texas, to learn more about how our programs help people live their best life. To learn more, call 855.915.2545 or connect with us online.
