ASI WISE was recently invited to deliver a presentation about Autism and sensory issues to a UK National Autistic Society meeting. Our presentations to the audience addressed the science and evidence behind autism and explored a families experience of sensory integration therapy. Since the presentation we have had interesting conversations with some parents who attended. A common theme has been parents discovering that motor and…
Back to school is just around the corner. School can be tricky for young people with sensory integration challenges, and especially those first few weeks in a new schools, classrooms, with new teachers and sometimes new classmates. New uniforms and shoes can be challenging also. Practising these exercises at home over the next 2 weeks may help young people have some ways to reduce anxiety…
This article is a great read., and links to the BBC news item this morning about a research project exploring if parents with children with autism are experiencing stress. Some children on the spectrum may exhibit problematic behaviors when asked to change their routine or to transition from one task, activity, or setting to another. Why is this? — Read on www.findatopdoc.com/Parenting/Why-Do-Kids-on-the-Spectrum-Have-Trouble-with-Transitions
..but publications and research by OT’s are needed to show ASI is effective! What more do we need to show how mainstream sensory integration theory is becoming than this recent publication in Neuroscience News. It is just a pity it says we need new therapies when we have a good one that has gold standard randomised control trials showings its effectiveness in the ASD population. Perhaps…
Submitted by guest blogger, Ruth OT. In my time as a special needs parent, I’ve had a variety of responses to telling people my child has special needs. Some responses have been great, others have left me crying all the way home. Literally. Some have opened up conversations, others have shut them down. I know that those people who have not been so helpful have…
Although today I was sent a copy of a link to an article entitled “First significant study on autism and homelessness”, this is not the first I have known about the increased risk of homelessness in those with Autism or ways that as a profession Occupational Therapy can offer something to help reduce this risk. For a number of years, OT’s have been talking about…
Resources for Practice: Reducing use of control and restraint in mental health.
Submitted by guest blogger Ruth OT Our daughter recently appeared on a UK Kids TV show called Something Special. I was ridiculously excited about it and told lots of people who never usually watch CBeebies, the BBC children’s channel, that they just had to see her. Filming was brief but exciting. We got to meet Justin briefly (one child was very disappointed Mr Tumble wasn’t there too)…
Submitted by Guest authour Jane OT As I read the recent article “14 Phrases Kids Said That Were Code Words for ‘I’m Anxious“ from The Mighty, It felt familiar – like I had met every one of these responses to anxiety and not just from children. “What’s wrong with me?”… “I’m tired.” … “Can’t we stay home?” “I don’t feel well.” Anxiety affects so many people…
Today I was chatting to another therapist, who remarked on how people think it’s the room and equipment that make the therapy. Ayres’ Sensory Integration is about how the therapist mindfully uses knowledge gained through thorough assessment to carefully plan and create an environment so interesting, motivating and exciting to their individual client that they will engage in what appears to most people to just…