Understanding Sensory Issues in Children with Autism: How Occupational Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot Can Help
Sensory issues are a common challenge for children with autism, affecting how they experience and interact with the world. These issues can impact a child’s daily activities, social interactions, and overall well-being. Occupational Therapy plays a vital role in supporting children with autism by helping them manage their sensory experiences and thrive. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, our team of expert Occupational Therapists provides targeted strategies to help children with sensory issues.
What Are Sensory Issues?
Sensory issues occur when the brain struggles to process information from the senses. We have five basic senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—but there are also two additional senses that play key roles:
- Vestibular sense: Helps with balance and movement.
- Proprioceptive sense: Provides body awareness, helping us understand where our body is in space.
Children with autism may experience challenges in processing sensory information from any of these senses. Occupational Therapy can help address these challenges by improving how children respond to sensory input.
Types of Sensory Issues
Sensory issues in children with autism can be categorised into two types:
- Sensory Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsiveness): When a child is overly sensitive to sensory input. For example, normal sounds may seem extremely loud, or lights might appear too bright. Children with sensory hypersensitivity often avoid sensory input because it feels overwhelming or even painful.
- Sensory Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsiveness): When a child is under-sensitive to sensory input. They may not notice sensory information that others do, such as loud noises or strong smells. Children with sensory hyposensitivity may seek out more sensory input to feel satisfied.
Common Sensory Issues in Children with Autism
Children with autism may experience various sensory challenges, including:
- Visual Sensitivity: Bright lights or certain colours can be overwhelming. Some children might prefer dim lighting, while others may be fascinated by specific visual patterns.
- Auditory Sensitivity: Everyday sounds, such as vacuum cleaners or loud conversations, may seem unbearably loud. Some children may cover their ears or try to escape noisy environments, while others might not react to loud noises at all.
- Tactile Sensitivity: Certain textures or types of touch can be uncomfortable. Children may avoid wearing certain clothes or refuse certain food textures, while others may seek out more physical touch, such as tight hugs.
- Taste and Smell Sensitivity: Strong tastes or smells can be overwhelming. Some children may be picky eaters due to sensory sensitivities, while others may seek out strong flavours.
- Balance and Movement Sensitivity: Some children may have difficulty with balance and feel dizzy easily. They may avoid climbing or swinging, while others crave movement and enjoy spinning or jumping.
- Body Awareness (Proprioceptive Sensitivity): Children may not be fully aware of their body in space, leading to clumsiness or frequent bumping into objects. Others may seek out deep pressure activities like squeezing or pushing objects.
How Sensory Issues Impact Daily Life
Sensory issues can significantly affect a child’s ability to navigate their day-to-day life. Some of the challenges they may face include:
- Difficulties in School: Bright lights, noisy classrooms, or uncomfortable seating may make it hard for a child to concentrate and engage in learning activities.
- Social Interaction Struggles: Sensory sensitivities can make social interactions difficult, as children might avoid physical touch or busy environments that feel overwhelming.
- Challenges in Daily Routines: Simple tasks like eating, dressing, or bathing can be distressing due to sensory discomfort.
- Behavioural Responses: Children might have meltdowns or exhibit challenging behaviours as a response to sensory overload.
How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Autism
Occupational Therapy offers a variety of strategies to help children with autism manage their sensory issues and participate more fully in everyday life. Here are some key approaches used by our Occupational Therapists in Bondi Junction and Mascot:
1. Creating Sensory-Friendly Environments
Adjusting a child’s environment can help reduce sensory overload. This might include using soft lighting, reducing noise levels, and providing comfortable clothing. Outdoor play areas are often preferred by children with autism, as the open space and fresh air can be easier to manage from a sensory perspective.
2. Developing a Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is a personalised plan of activities designed to provide the sensory input a child needs. This may include activities such as swinging, jumping, deep pressure massage, or sensory play with materials like sand and water. A sensory diet helps regulate a child’s attention and emotions, making it easier for them to focus and feel comfortable.
3. Providing Breaks and Safe Spaces
Allowing a child to take breaks when feeling overwhelmed is essential. Creating a quiet, safe space where they can retreat to calm down can help prevent sensory overload and manage anxiety.
4. Using Visual Supports
Visual aids such as schedules, charts, and cues can help children with autism understand what to expect and feel more in control. Visual supports also help with transitions between activities, which can be challenging for children with sensory issues.
5. Incorporating Sensory Play
Sensory play allows children to explore different textures and sensations in a safe and fun way. Activities like playing with water, sand, or playdough can help children process sensory information more effectively.
6. Sensory Tools for Specific Situations
Tools like fidget toys or noise-cancelling headphones can help children manage sensory input in specific environments, such as during group activities or in noisy classrooms.
7. Working with Occupational Therapists
Our Occupational Therapists are trained in sensory integration and can assess your child’s sensory needs. They will work with you to develop strategies that help your child manage their sensory challenges, improve their daily functioning, and thrive.
How Sensory Issues Affect Therapy Success
Addressing sensory issues is critical in making other therapies, such as speech or behavioural therapies, more effective. When children feel more comfortable and regulated, they are better able to participate and benefit from these therapies. Occupational Therapy can be a crucial adjunct to other therapies, helping to create a foundation for success.
Conclusion: The Importance of Occupational Therapy for Sensory Issues
Sensory issues can significantly impact the lives of children with autism, but with the right support, these challenges can be managed effectively. Occupational Therapy helps children with autism navigate their sensory experiences, providing strategies that lead to greater comfort, participation, and success in daily life. Our Occupational Therapists use the ESDM to help address sensory issues.
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe in helping every child reach their full potential. Our experienced Occupational Therapists in Bondi Junction and Mascot specialise in sensory integration and are dedicated to supporting your child’s unique needs. Our AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapists work closely with families to develop personalised plans that promote success and well-being.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s sensory issues or their autism diagnosis, our team at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help.
- Call us at (02) 8065 7837
- Email us to book a consultation
- Visit our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics to learn more about how Occupational Therapy can support your child’s sensory needs and overall development.
We are a dedicated team of Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Certified ESDM Therapists, and Psychologists, serving families in Bondi Junction and Mascot, providing top-quality care for children with autism, developmental delays, and learning difficulties.
