Ashoka’s sensory integration therapy is a personalized approach designed to address sensory processing challenges.

The sensory integration framework comprises a total of eight systems, with three sensory systems being particularly impacted when individuals face challenges in sensory processing:

• The tactile system: Responsible for recognizing touch sensations, such as pressure or temperature, through the skin.
• The proprioceptive system: Responsible for informing us about our body’s position in space through our muscles and joints.
• The vestibular system: A complex organ in the ear that determines our movement and balance.

Sensory integration dysfunction manifests uniquely in each individual. For instance, those with sensory modulation challenges may exhibit either an under-reaction or over-reaction to sensory input.

Individuals facing sensory discrimination challenges may struggle to distinguish between different senses. People with sensory-based motor challenges may find it challenging to move or stabilize their bodies.

Ashoka’s sensory integration therapy recognizes and addresses these diverse manifestations, offering tailored interventions to enhance sensory processing and improve overall well-being. While acknowledging its limitations, this therapy remains a valuable resource for individuals navigating sensory processing challenges.

Features

Ashoka’s sensory integration therapy for children with autism is a specialized approach that aims to address difficulties in processing and responding to sensory information. The features of sensory integration therapy for children with autism include:

Individualized Assessment: The therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify the specific sensory processing challenges that the child is facing. This assessment helps in tailoring the therapy to the individual needs of the child.

Multi-Sensory Approach: Sensory integration therapy involves activities that stimulate multiple senses simultaneously. This could include activities that engage sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell to promote overall sensory development.

Focus on Core Sensory Systems: The therapy targets the three core sensory systems that are often affected in children with autism:

Tactile System: Addresses sensitivity to touch, textures, and temperature.

Proprioceptive System: Targets awareness of body position and movement in space.

Vestibular System: Focuses on balance, coordination, and spatial orientation.

Sensory Diet: A sensory diet is developed, consisting of a personalized set of activities and exercises that the child can engage in throughout the day to meet their sensory needs. This may include scheduled breaks for sensory activities.

Gradual Desensitization: For children with sensory sensitivities, the therapy often involves gradual desensitization to certain stimuli. This helps reduce exaggerated responses and promotes tolerance to sensory input.

Environmental Modifications: Therapists may work with parents and caregivers to make environmental adjustments that accommodate the child’s sensory needs. This could involve changes in lighting, noise levels, or the introduction of sensory-friendly spaces.

Movement and Body Awareness Activities: Activities promoting movement and body awareness are incorporated into the therapy. This may involve activities such as swinging, spinning, or rocking to stimulate the vestibular and proprioceptive systems.

Regulation Techniques: Children are taught self-regulation techniques to help them cope with sensory challenges. These techniques may include deep pressure exercises, breathing exercises, or sensory breaks.

Parental Involvement: Parents are actively involved in the therapy process. They are educated about their child’s sensory needs and are provided with strategies and activities to implement at home to reinforce the therapy’s effects.

Play-Based Therapy: Many sensory integration activities are play-based to engage the child’s interest and motivation. Therapists use games and activities that are enjoyable for the child while addressing specific sensory goals.

Goal-Oriented Interventions: Therapy is structured around specific goals tailored to the child’s individual challenges. Progress is regularly monitored, and interventions are adjusted based on the child’s response.

Ashoka’s sensory integration therapy, when applied with these features, aims to help children with autism improve their sensory processing abilities, leading to better self-regulation, improved focus, and enhanced participation in daily activities.

Benefits

Ashoka’s sensory integration therapy for children with autism can provide various benefits by addressing sensory processing challenges and promoting overall well-being.

Enhanced Sensory Processing: This results in heightened responses to different stimuli.

Improved Self-Regulation: Through this therapy children can develop enhanced self-regulation skills.

Heightened Tolerance to Sensory Stimuli: Many children with autism grapple with heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli. Sensory integration therapy aims to desensitize and elevate tolerance levels to specific sensory inputs, mitigating overreactions.

Improved Attention and Focus: Addressing challenges in sensory processing through this therapy may contribute to better attention and focus. Children may find it more manageable to concentrate on various tasks and activities.

Enhanced Motor Skills: Sensory integration therapy includes activities that promote movement and coordination, leading to improved gross and fine motor skills in children with autism.

Positive Impact on Behavior: As sensory processing becomes more organized, there can be a positive impact on behavior. Reduced sensory-related challenges may lead to a decrease in disruptive behaviors associated with sensory issues.

Increased Social Engagement: Improved sensory processing can contribute to increased social engagement.

Better Sleep Patterns: Sensory integration therapy achieves better sleep patterns in children with autism. Improved sensory regulation can lead to better sleep quality and more consistent sleep routines.

Enhanced Communication Skills: Some children with autism may experience challenges in communication. By addressing sensory processing issues, sensory integration therapy may indirectly support the development of communication skills.

Increased Comfort in Daily Activities: Children who undergo sensory integration therapy may experience increased comfort and ease in daily activities, such as dressing, grooming, and eating, as sensory challenges are addressed.

Reduction in Stereotypical Behaviours: Sensory integration therapy may contribute to a reduction in repetitive and stereotypical behaviours commonly associated with autism. By addressing sensory needs, the therapy helps redirect these behaviours.

Improved Quality of Life: Overall, the benefits of sensory integration therapy can contribute to an improved quality of life for children with autism. They may experience greater independence, participation in activities, and a more positive overall outlook.

Ashoka’s sensory integration therapy can vary among individuals, and the benefits may depend on factors such as the child’s specific sensory challenges, the intensity of therapy, and individual responsiveness. Additionally, our multidisciplinary approach that includes collaboration with other professionals may enhance the overall impact on a child’s development.