Doubt Cast on Usefulness of 'Sensory' Therapies for Autism

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Neither is medication "effective for all children as a stand-alone treatment", but you can get your sweet patootie that Zimmer et. al. will continue to promote pharmaceutical interventions as the best way to "manage" conditions. That's where the money is, after all. Parents should check out the heft of anecdotal evidence that does support positive outcomes with many childhood disorders that have concomitant sensory processing issues. Then they can decide if non-pharmaceutical intervention that costs them MUCH less in the long run and has a wide base of support among families dealing with that issue might not be worth a try.

Debra Vigh of WV 12:23PM November 10, 2012

Amen! More professional organizations should report the same. This is the age of evidence-based practice and the research isn't there as it pertained to children with autism.

David L. Gast, Ph.D of GA 4:22AM July 06, 2012

I taught in a public classroom for 30 years observing many children with differing types of learning styles, developmental stages and disorders. I have 3 undergraduate degrees and two Masters and a specialty in autism disorders.
I now know from vast study and research that often things diagnosed as ADD, or a behavioral problems with children who came across my path in the past were often linked to an Autism diagnosis later in their lives. I clearly remember that actions or methods suggested that should work with the children often did not work or help, but tuning into what was going on with them sensoraly, did. I do know that if sensory processing is considered at least it may help others see where the child may be coming from in behaving the way they do.
I work now exclusively with children with autism, and pervasive disorders. Some who have other disorders as well. From experience and application I know as fact that turning into anyone's sensory profile helps understand them and their behavior. Sensory therapy doesn't have to be the end all to reaching the child but I guaranee you won't make much real progress without turning into it, especially children with ASD.
The research and proof is coming. Don't dismiss sensory therapy, don't make it exclusively all you do with your child. Evaluate it on your own. Stop and be mindful of what your child does when you control their sensory environment. They will tell you if it's working or if they need it by their response.

MaryPat Rawlings of MT 5:07PM June 13, 2012

I am a pediatric Occupational Therapist who is certified in sensory integration and applaud the AAP for acknowledging the existence of sensory processing challenges in many children. I agree wholeheartedly with the content of the policy, and instead of perceiving it to cast "doubt" I see it as an opening for discussion, within the framework of a physician patient/physician parent relationship and/or at a more global research level. I do however, find it slanted so as to encourage "doubt" vs. emphasize for potentially uninformed pediatricians and/or parents the accuracies within the policy. For a more thorough summary of sensory integration therapies and the AAP policy please see: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/05/23/peds.2012-0876.abstract/reply#pediatrics_el_53841

Kelly Beins of MD 4:50PM June 06, 2012

From the start, I am no expert about autism. What I want to contribute is that challenging balance activities, like keeping balance on a narrow and oval balance beam, increase vestibular stimulation, and it, in turn, increase and improve the sensory processing function of the inner ear. The inner ear is small but it is the central hub for sensory integration for the body. It performs all the pre-processing functions in sorting sensory information before it gets to the brain. To improve the function of the inner ear, you need vestibular stimulation, or challenging balancing conditions. With kids, it's easy. Before they get self-concious, they will naturally discover a balance beam in the room and start walking on it or simply standing in place and trying to keep from falling. You don't have to ask them. If parents to make fuss over this, the kid will spend hours on it if the beam is in their room. For ideas search nestoiter-gravity on Amazon. Although that product is sold as a foot massage therapy, it is an excellent balance beam. You will see how it's made and you can build one yourself.
Balance therapy used to be popular 20 years ago. Now, you won't find doctors prescribing it because it's not profitable. If you want more info about this, search the Web, bot go back at least 15-20 year to find some good information.

Alexander Nestoiter of CA 2:24PM May 29, 2012

"Instead of chalking up various aversions or compulsions to sensory processing disorder, health care providers need to consider what other developmental issues may be going on with the child, such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and so on, Zimmer said."
Huh? Oh yes, my child with severe sensory defensiveness who went on to be diagnosed with autism was already gagging on certain food and squinting at bright lights at just 6 months old because of his complex behavioral issues and ADHD. It's this kind of ignorance on behalf of 'professionals" that continues to hinder research into the underlying complexities and causes of autism. Or this is just crappy reporting by the writer. Either is possible.

Amanda of KY 12:45AM May 29, 2012

I am an OT who provides sensory evaluation and treatment to kids and adults, with autism and other disorders. For some it works amazingly well, for others it's not that beneficial. It's all a matter of getting an experienced therapist who is willing to put the constant time and energy into reassessing the child's functioning and needs, and changing treatment accordingly. It is not a simple thing to do, and not everyone has the experience to do it. I have seen children who were terrified to be touched and/or would scream if their bodies came into contact with some sort of tactile input make great gains, being able to play with peers and get messy doing typical kid things. I have so many other examples, too many to name. But when you talk about lack of research, you have to remember that kids with special needs need many different services, working together, to produce great improvement. As a parent, I would not consent to having my child participate in only one type of therapy to test its success. As a therapist, it seems unethical. The best thing is for sensory therapy - if indicated - is for it to be part of an effective treatment team. Parents also need to be highly invested in carryover of sensory activities. While direct sensory treatment can be beneficial, consultation services can also be effective, which can assist in reducing cost.

Jan of NY 3:19PM May 28, 2012

Having been on this journey with a child who has SPD for more than 16 years, this is just one more stepping stone along the way to acceptance by our medical communities. No evidence? No research? That's so 1980's. www.spdfoundation.net

Carrie Fannin of WA 3:15PM May 28, 2012

As the father of a four year old child with severe autism along with sensory issues I can tell you that proper sensory therapy can work wonders. I'm sure that sensory therapy in and of itself will not show substantial rewards but in conjunction with ABA and Floor Time therapies will show great improvements. My son absolutely needed, and still needs, Sensory Therapy so he can even begin to learn anything else, without it his mind is in a chaotic state. I think the problem lies in finding a good occupational therapist, which is hard. Unlike other disciplines OT requires individualized therapies, as no two children with autism are alike. Many that I've encountered seem to think that bouncing their patient on an exercise ball for 30 minutes is suffice.

Jay of NY 1:56PM May 28, 2012

I have been through 2 years of occupational therapy and a 2 semesters of speech therapy and seen a grate deal of improvement, but I still suffer from the damage done by Risperdal . I was a tax paying collage graduate when I was denied my right to refuse Risperdal, but 6 years later I am still forced to live entirely off the government and with all the services provided I still get forced out of almost any place I try to live by noise. Before Risperdal I was never found wondering the streets crying and peeing on myself because I couldn’t find a place quite enough to sleep.

MaryTormey of ID 12:35PM May 28, 2012