Doubt Cast on Usefulness of 'Sensory' Therapies for Autism

Thanks for this article. While it may be very appealing to parents who correctly recognize their children react in unusual ways to some external stimulation (lights or sounds), there are no known sensory therapies that rectify that hypersensitivity. There is no evidence from controlled studies that sensory integration therapy has any enduring effect on the symptoms of autism among children with autism spectrum disorders. Rocking, swinging, brushing, etc. may briefly reduce agitation or over-reactivity, it generally has no effect beyond a few minutes. It typically costs $100 per hour from private therapists, and over a year would cost $1200 to 2400 per year, not inconsequential.

Travis Thompson of MN 12:08PM May 28, 2012