Running head: SENSORY INTEGRATION THROUGH OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 1

Sensory Integration through Occupational Therapy

Alyssa A. Volpe

Misericordia University
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Sensory Integration through Occupational Therapy

Human bodies are made to take in information that is received from the five senses and

be able to process it in order to respond appropriately. Individuals with Autism Spectrum

Disorder (ASD) can develop sensory processing difficulties that do not allow them to properly

take in sensory input information, sort it, and respond in an appropriate manner. Difficulties with

processing sensory information in children with ASD can vary greatly due to neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity can be explained as “the idea that individuals with special needs have diverse

brain structures, with each person having neurological strengths and weaknesses” (Berger, 2017),

which would explain why some individuals can be hypersensitive to lights, sounds, textures,

tastes, and smells while others are hyposensitive to the same stimuli. Intervention to combat the

inappropriate reactions to stimuli is called Sensory Integration. In this paper I will explore the

importance of sensory integration through occupational therapy for individuals with ASD.

Occupational therapists work with individuals with ASD as well as their families to

incorporate healthy routines, environmental accommodations, altered activities, and new skills in

order to increase performance and participation in daily occupations. Participation in sensory

integration interventions for individuals with autism can decrease repetitive and restrictive

behaviors such as hand flapping, spinning, waving hands in front of their face, jumping, rocking,

and covering their ears. These reactions to environmental stimuli can be physically harmful in

the case of the individual being less reactive to the touch of a hot object or can cause the

individual to become violent from something as small as a pat on the back (Autism Spectrum

Disorders, 2019). Since all individuals with ASD are unique in the ways that they respond to

their environment, it is crucial that the sensory integration intervention is planned to fit their

specific needs. According to the Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration
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(n.d.), “Classic intervention is provided in a specialized therapy room with sensory equipment

that provides tactile, visual, proprioceptive and vestibular opportunities in a structured manner in

collaboration with the primary caregivers.” Although sensory integration interventions focus on

the same senses, intervention per individual can vary greatly which makes it difficult for studies

to prove the benefits. One study viewed the behaviors of two groups of individuals with ASD in

order to determine if sensory integration changed behaviors before and after intervention. The

group that received sensory integration intervention did not show a decrease is autism behaviors,

but they did show a decrease on both the Sensory Perceptual Behaviors Subscale and the Arousal

Regulation subscale. They also proved to better handle self-management and social interaction

with less need of assistance (Schaaf, 2014). The results of this study may seem to not support the

use of sensory integration therapy for individuals with ASD, but it is important to remember that

sensory processing difficulties can negatively impact an individual's overall function not just

certain behaviors. Since the study determined that sensory integration has a positive impact on

self-regulating skills, social interactions, decreases the need for assistance, arousal levels, and

sensory perceptual behaviors it supports the argument that sensory integration therapy is

beneficial with individuals on the spectrum with sensory processing difficulties. Those who are

active in administering intervention and the families impacted by sensory integration witness the

benefits that it has and push for the use of sensory integration therapy for their child.

From researching this area of practice I have widened my knowledge on sensory

integration and the impact it may have. I now know that sensory integration can not only

positively impact the reactions that individuals with ASD have environmental stimuli, but it can

also increase an individual’s participation in daily occupations. This will be important for me to

understand and apply when I am a practicing occupational therapist. I will be able to look deeper
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into my clients and better understand why they may have difficulties completing specific tasks.

For instance, an individual who does not dress themselves may not lack the physical capability to

put their clothes on, rather they may feel overstimulated by the texture of the clothing. Therefore,

the texture of the clothing can decrease the individuals desire to participate in the Activity of

Daily Living of dressing. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (2018) released a

study that viewed the relationship between clients and their therapist and the effects that the

interactions have on the outcome of the therapy. They found “strong positive correlations

between child eye contact and shared affect, social reciprocity, and engagement with therapist

feedback and therapist behaviors that promoted challenge, problem solving, and planning” which

proved that the interactions as well as the need for the just-right challenge has a positive impact

on the participation of the client. I think that this study is very important when analyzing the

effects of sensory integration therapy. There are many factors that can both positively and

negatively affect the outcomes of therapy and one of the most common is the interactions

between the client and therapist. If an individual with sensory processing disorder is already

uncomfortable in their environment it will be easier for them to become irritated or noncompliant

during a therapy session. A well-trained therapist will be able to provide the client with the best

activities to better manage the individual’s reaction to stimuli. The ways in which the client

interacts with the therapist should be closer monitored because it can show whether the client

feels comfortable, appropriately challenged, and excited about the intervention.

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References

About Ayres Sensory Integration®. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cl-asi.org/about-ayres-

sensory-integration

Autism Spectrum Disorders. (2019, November 18). Retrieved from

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/autism-spectrum-

disorders.htm

Berger, K. S. (2017). The developing person through the lifespan. Worth.

Holland, C., Yay, O., Gallini, G., et al.; Relationships Between Therapist and Client Actions

During Sensory Integration Therapy for Young Children With Autism. Am J Occup Ther

2018;72(4_Supplement_1):7211515250. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.72S1-PO4034

Schaaf, R.C., Benevides, T., Mailloux, Z. et al. An Intervention for Sensory Difficulties in

Children with Autism: A Randomized Trial. J Autism Dev Disord 44, 1493–1506 (2014).

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1983-8