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Therapy for Autism and Sensory Integration Issues
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Helping children with sensory integration issues is essential to their development.
As grandparents, we know all too well that dealing with growth and development issues in children can be challenging and stressful. Unfortunately, many children suffer from issues including sensory integration, Autism, ADHD, and similar forms of developmental challenges. Supporting parents in their efforts to help children learn and reach their full potential is an important part of being a responsive and responsible grandparent.
CINAHL Literature Review
A recent literature review by the CINAHL (The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) database has produced some promising and compelling information. According to the study (which is not considered complete, but it is credible and reliable), there is evidence that weighted therapy can have a significant impact on a child's ability to better deal with sensory integration issues. Just 5% of a child's body weight can make a difference in their ability to better process sensory input.
Weighted therapy may be new to many people, but there are some occupational therapists who have utilized this treatment modality for years. They use it as a part of a full sensory diet for children who need additional help with sensory integration and they have found it to be effective in many situations.
Benefits of Weighted Therapy
According to the recent studies and findings of the CINAHL, weighted therapy can benefit children in several ways:
- Decreases purposeless hyperactivity
- Increases functional attention to purposeful activity
- Reduces self-stimulatory behaviors in children with Autism
- Reduces negative behavior such as fidgeting and not paying attention
- Increases positive behaviors such as attention and following instructions
- Increases balance and stability in children with sensory integrative dysfunction
While there is still much to be explored with weighted therapy, it is a potential treatment modality for many children who need this external stimulation for sensory related problems.
Products and Services
There are many occupational therapists who utilize products with weighted therapy. One highly recognized website that offers products such as Wheat Packs and Weighted Vests as a modified application of the theory is Life Skills 4 Kids. This is a website based in Australia, but the products are applicable to any child in the world. Life Skills 4 Kids ships internationally too, so that makes it easy to order and receive products through their website.
In addition, there are many supporting materials such as interactive workbooks and other materials to supplement and support a full sensory diet for children with Autism, ADHD, and sensory integration issues. Only a child's personal physician and therapist can prescribe the best treatment modality for a child, but when these types of products are recommended, this is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and therapists.
Just like Life Skills 4 Kids says, "Help children reach their full potential every day"! Visit their website where you can register for a free e-newsletter and receive their newest eBook (offered free for a short period of time only).
For more information, visit Life Skills 4 Kids helping kids reach their potential every day article by Heather Sedlock, Special Needs Kids Examiner.
Resources:
- www.LifeSkills4kids.com.au
- Edelson, SM, Goldebert, M, Edelson, D, Kerr, DCR, & Grandin, T. (1999). Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Deep Pressure on children with autism: A Pilot study Evaluating the Efficacy of Grandin’s Hug Machine. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53, 2, p. 145-152.
- LJ & Moulton HJ. (2004) 11 (1) 52 – 66. Occupational therapists’ reported experiences using weighted vests with children with specific developmental disorders. Occupational Therapy International.
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