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Pediatric Sensory Integration Therapy
(Autism Spectrum Disorder)

TuDor provides a unique service to families dealing with the effects of sensory and speech issues, particularly children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the related behaviors and deficits. With specialized sensory integration therapy services, our therapists are able to provide a better quality of life for children and their families dealing with these sensory stimulation issues.

The overall goals of pediatric sensory integration therapy is to improve social participation, self-esteem, self-regulation, and sensorimotor abilities.

Through this form of Occupational Therapy (OT), conducted in a sensory-rich environment, children are able to manage their responses to sensations and to behave in a more functional manner.

The goal of Sensory Integration Therapy is to enable a child to take part in the normal activities of childhood, such as playing with friends, enjoying school, eating, dressing, and sleeping.

Parents are encouraged to get involved and work with the occupational therapist, so they can learn more about their child and incorporate their family's priorities into treatment. The treatment plan will usually include a number of ideas that the parents can use at home and at school to help their child become regulated and coordinated.

An added benefit of Sensory OT is that parents come to understand that their child's disability is real, even though it is a "hidden handicap," and they are encouraged to become strong advocates for their child at school and elsewhere.

What does Sensory Occupational Therapy Look Like?

Treatment is fun! It usually occurs in a large, sensory-rich environment with lots of swinging, spinning, tactile, visual, auditory, and taste opportunities.

Many occupational therapists use an approach called "STEP-SI" (pronounced "step - S - I"). With input from parents, they work to understand how a child perceives sensation and how that affects his attention, emotions, motor skills, and learning abilities.

The therapist evaluates the child’s abilities in several areas:

• Sensory - the responses in each sensory system (e.g., movement, touch, taste, etc.)
• Task - the need for more or less complexity and structure in completing activities
• Environment - the responses to "enriched" and "simple" surroundings
• Predictability - the preference for "old" or new experiences
• Self-Monitoring - the ability to preview and adjust responses before acting
• Interactions - the need for less or more intense interactions with others