Sensory integration refers to the way that people receive, interpret, synthesize, and respond to sensory stimuli. People with certain cognitive conditions, such as ASD (autism spectrum disorder), may experience challenges with sensory integration challenges. Professionals may refer to sensory processing disorder (formerly known as sensory integration dysfunction), which can have mild to severe effects on a person’s daily life as it can impact social interactions, professional settings, and engagement in a school or other educational environment. This article will explore possible presentations of sensory integration challenges and coping mechanisms for people with autism. A group in San Jose (or your city) specializing in ASD services may be able to provide the best support for someone with autism spectrum disorder and struggling with sensory integration. This information could be useful for parents of children facing mild to severe challenges with autism/ sensory integration in San Jose or elsewhere.
Possible presentations of sensory integration challenges
Under-sensitivity to stimuli: Some people may experience an under-sensitivity (also called hyposensitivity) to stimuli which can result in constant seeking of stimulation. These are some examples of what hyposensitivity might look like in people (especially children):
- Speaking louder than is necessary, or seek out or make loud noises
- Rather than sit or stand in one place, prefers to jump or hop, or walk and bump into people and objects.
- Does not seem to have a good understanding of their own or others’ personal space and physical boundaries
- Engage in rough play
- Be unaware of their own strength
- Constantly touching, smelling or chewing objects
- Very tactile with other people
Over-sensitivity to stimuli: Some people may experience hypersensitivity to stimuli, making everyday environments like classrooms, restaurants, or public transport systems almost unbearable. People who experience hypersensitivity may seek to avoid sensory stimulation. Someone experiencing hypersensitivity to external stimuli may present with the following behaviors:
- Preference for quiet environments and clear desire to avoid loud or overcrowded environments.
- Avoidance and dislike of physical contact with other people
- Hypersensitivity to faraway/ background sound
- Extreme reactions to loud noises or bright lights
- Particular about textures, which can be most obvious when concerning clothing or bedding.
A combination: Some people may experience a combination of under- and over-sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Certain environments may be triggers, while others are not. Before approaching any type of therapy with your family’s trusted autism group in San Jose, it is important to try and understand specific triggers so that they can be adequately addressed in therapy sessions.
Coping mechanisms:
People may have various coping mechanisms for under or over-sensitivity to sensory integration challenges. Some coping mechanisms can be dangerous or harmful, although they help in the immediate context. Striking oneself or others, striking objects, biting, slapping, or hair-pulling can occur in extreme cases of discomfort. Elopement (escaping from the supervision of a caregiver or safe place) is also a common coping mechanism that can be extremely dangerous and have significant consequences, especially for children.
Therapy options:
Therapy services for autism and sensory integration in San Jose may recommend Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a therapeutic approach. Applied Behavior Analysis is understanding certain behaviors and what triggers them. These behaviors are usually negative (socially inappropriate or potentially harmful to the person exhibiting them and/ or others). Once therapists or behavior technicians understand what might be causing or triggering unwanted behaviors, they aim to encourage a new, more positive response to the trigger. ABA uses the behaviorist principles of classical conditioning and therapy techniques, which are built on the ‘ABC’ steps. The ‘antecedent’ can also be referred to as the trigger of a behavior. In most cases, the antecedent cannot be avoided in the day-to-day life of someone with ASD. Next is the ‘behavior’ – the individual’s response to the antecedent. In cases where therapy is sought, the behavior is often considered inappropriate or harmful, and the aim is to encourage a new response. ‘Consequence’ is the result of the behavior. Negative behaviors (or coping mechanisms) often have negative consequences for individuals with ASD. Introducing a new, desired ‘consequence’ encourages a new, positive behavior/ response to a trigger.
This therapy method can help people struggling with sensory integration stay safe and regulate their emotions around stressful situations.
