Sensory integration therapy

Being a parent is a beautiful experience and the joys of upbringing a child hold true no matter what are the abilities of the child. As a parent you may spend a lot of time thinking about your child’s future, more so if the child is diagnosed with a condition such as the Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD.

When your child is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or a Sensory Processing Disorder you will face a different set of challenges that most parents do not.

Apart from the regular parenting activities that any parent does, you will be subjected to a number of activities that your child with special needs would require.

Everyday settings and “normal” circumstances will not accommodate your child’s needs.

  • If your child is over-sensitive, touch, light, sound or food that is “normal” for his or her age mates, will be too overwhelming for your child.
  • On the other hand, if your child is under-sensitive, any amount of stimulation will be less for the child and it would be impossible to satisfy all those cravings as a parent.

This will pose a great challenge for the parents and affect the child’s development causing severe stress to the parents.

It is important to identify as to where does the child with ASD lie in the “spectrum”. The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms that exist in children with Autism. Based on the fact that your child is over sensitive or under sensitive, the treatment plan will be chalked out for your child.

Here at Plexus, a team of Occupational Therapists who specialize in Sensory Integration and in the treatment of all Sensory Processing disorders perform a detailed assessment of the child. Hereafter specific, time-bound goals are set and the treatment is started.

For children on either side of the spectrum, it is very difficult for them to accommodate to any changes in their environment. If they are subjected to any changes, it leads to severe distress and tantrums that are unmanageable by the parents.

For a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, the goal of the parents is to improve the child’s sensory integration. A sensory gym helps in achieving this goal.

A sensory gym is a safe play area which encourages sensory development and makes achieving goals much easier.

For those on the over sensitive side, sensory gyms provide the space, safety and resources that allow them to feel secure during play and help them develop their sensory skills at their own pace. On the other hand, for those on the under sensitive side, sensory gyms help to satisfy the need for excessive sensory stimulation while modulating their responses.

At Plexus the right combination of therapies has helped more than 1000 children in overcoming their sensory abnormalities to a great extent.

The combination of Occupational therapy consisting of Behavior therapy, Sensory Integration therapy and Speech therapy helps us achieve desired results in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Apart from ASD, the approaches utilized at our Sensory Gym are also helpful with challenges associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Disorders of Behaviour and Conduct, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Developmental Dyspraxia, and general developmental challenges.

 

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