What is Autism?
Autism is a brain disorder in which a child shows many sensory integration dysfunctions along with difficulties in social interactions, language development, and behavior. Children with autism are often described as being “in a world of their own” and often appear as though they do not want others to intrude in their world. If they learn to speak, speech is often limited in a way which may sound monotonous and parrotlike.
There are three aspects of sensory processing commonly seen in children with autism; first, they have difficulty to register sensory input; second, they have difficulty modulating sensory input; and third, they may have little or no interest in doing something new, as the part of the brain that wired to desire new things is not operating properly. Additionally, the limbic system of the brain is affected in children with Autism. This portion of the brain is responsible for deciding what sensory stimuli should be registered, whether some sensory input needs to be brought to attention, and what should be done about all the sensory information that is received.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism and Autism spectrum disorder is used interchangeably. ASD is a complex developmental disability which includes poor emotional and socialization skills. Some children seem to have very little emotion and hardly show any love or fear, whereas others may become very emotional showing tantrums and aggression. Here at Synergy Therapeutic Group, our therapists in Carbondale or Du Quoin, IL can help.
How is Autism treated?
At Synergy Therapeutic Group in Carbondale and Du Quoin, IL, our highly trained occupational therapists use a sensory integrative approach, which integrates primitive reflexes, fascial release, parent education, therapeutic listening (if applicable), breathing exercises, brain balancing exercises, self-care training, and movement therapy to improve sensory processing so sensations will be registered and modulated more effectively. This type of therapy at Synergy Therapeutic Group’s occupational therapist makes an enormous difference in the child’s life.
Everything that can be done in early childhood to help the brain develop more efficiently will give the child a better ability to cope with learning and emotional demands later in life. The more a muscle is used, the stronger it becomes. If it is not used, it becomes weak. Similarly, the more a synapse is used, the stronger and more useful it becomes.
Each child with autism is unique. Treatments and supports that work for one may not work for another. As a result, each child’s treatment plan should follow a thorough evaluation of strengths as well as challenges.
Depending on their needs, children who have autism can receive a broad range of therapies. Typically, they include a combination of behavior therapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training and sometimes feeding therapy. In addition, parents may receive training on how to work with their children at home. Ideally, parents, teachers and therapists will all work together to integrate their approaches across the child’s daily life.
Working with a pediatric occupational therapist can help your child with autism to develop many skills required for daily life. Sometimes referred to as “occupational therapy,” this type of physical therapy focuses on sensory and neuromotor skills to help children become more functional and independent. Children on the autism spectrum face a range of challenges in school and daily life. If you’d like to know more about how Synergy Therapeutic Group can potentially help your child on the spectrum, check out our Pediatric Program.
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