Sensory integration therapy
Autism in Children — Key Symptoms, Causes, and Therapy Methods
6 min read
Autism spectrum is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a varied course. Learn about early symptoms, diagnostic methods, and how to support your child in everyday life.
Consult a specialist if your child displays:
In these cases, a psychiatric, psychological, or neurological consultation is recommended.
According to the currently applicable classification systems, both DSM-5 and ICD-11, we refer to autism spectrum disorder (code 299.00 in DSM, code 6A02 in ICD). This term encompasses conditions that were previously diagnosed as separate entities: autism, Asperger's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
We refer to a spectrum of disorders because it comprises a great many symptoms, with a varied course and severity. In some individuals, only a few traits are present that impede functioning to a mild degree, while in others all traits listed in the classification are present at high intensity, significantly limiting independent functioning. It is not a disorder with a uniform course — in each individual it manifests somewhat differently, although certain patterns can be observed.
According to the DSM-5 classification, autism spectrum disorder encompasses two domains:
Early symptoms of autism, in the light of current knowledge, can be observed at a very early stage of a child's development. These include:
At a later stage, when the child is approximately 2 years old, further symptoms can be observed, such as:
The causes of autism are not currently clearly established. Intensive research continues in the fields of genetics, neurology, and investigations into causes related to the changing social and natural environment. Autism spectrum is currently regarded as a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Many people ask themselves whether autism is hereditary. Autism is not directly hereditary, but we speak of inherited susceptibility. Research shows that in families where spectrum disorders have already occurred, further cases can be expected more frequently than in other families.
The diagnosis of autism should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising:
The psychiatrist typically takes into account the child's psychological assessments and the opinions of the above-mentioned specialists.
There is no single effective method in the therapy of individuals on the spectrum. There is a multitude of approaches and methods, some of which are mutually exclusive. Parents find themselves in a difficult position, as they often have to make the decision about which method to choose on their own, without specialist knowledge.
Children on the spectrum need the support of a speech therapist, educator, psychologist, sensory integration therapist, and sometimes a physiotherapist. Therefore, the most sensible approach appears to be team-based care, where specialists work together on the child's development. They can jointly develop goals and strategies, which each of them then implements within their own area:
"I believe it is not so much a specific method that matters, but the approach. Treating the child on the spectrum with respect for their neurodiversity, recognising their needs and specific developmental patterns. Understanding that specific sensory difficulties are often factors that greatly impede a child's daily functioning. With sensory hypersensitivity — whether tactile, auditory, or olfactory — the child's life becomes a nightmare. They are bombarded from all sides with stimuli that are painful and extremely taxing on the nervous system. Such a child is at risk of sensory overload, the effect of which is outbursts of anger and behaviours of an aggressive or self-injurious nature: head-banging, biting, etc. In the therapy of children on the spectrum, we should always take into account their sensory profile and adapt environmental conditions accordingly." — Małgorzata Hwang, sensory integration therapist
In cases of delayed speech development or absence of speech, we introduce AAC — augmentative and alternative communication. We introduce it into the child's life as early as possible, so that a child who does not use verbal speech can communicate with their surroundings in some other way.
This helps them function to a significant degree, reduces the occurrence of behaviours described as challenging, because the child has the opportunity to communicate their needs to those around them. The introduction of AAC also promotes speech development, as the child has a communication tool, sees that they can effectively ask for something, and is heard.
In individuals on the spectrum, picture-based systems are typically used, as their specific development is oriented towards visual-pictorial processing.
If a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, they will require sensibly conducted therapy to help them develop their potential. The entire family needs support, especially the parents, so that they can help the child function in everyday life.
The help of a sensory integration therapist is particularly valuable, as they can:
This article was prepared in collaboration with Małgorzata Hwang — sensory integration therapist, special education teacher.
Symptoms
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