For years, parents and teachers have arranged environments to help children with autism manage obvious over or under-reactions to sensory inputs. Too much or too little light, noise, smell, taste or physical sensation, we know, can make it impossible for many people with autism to function well.
Adults on the autism spectrum have the same issues. As a result, many folks on the spectrum choose living situations and/or careers to accommodate sensory issues.
A whole therapeutic industry has arisen around the idea that some people have "sensory dysfunction," and that it's possible to help those people manage their sensitivities. Sensory integration therapy has, for a long time, been a well-known but marginalized area of practice.
Movie houses (AMC and Regal, for example) are now offering autism-friendly movies that carefully manage the level of sound and light in the theater.
Toy companies and clothing manufacturers produce or market products that cater to the sensory needs of people with autism. Chewy or "sensory" toys, soft and tag-free clothing, weighted vests and other sensory-friendly products are easy to find with a click of the mouse.
Are all these therapies and products based on misinformation about sensory integration in people with autism?
The answer, thank goodness, is a resounding "no!" While a new study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine is not the first to look at sensory integration and find that it is a legitimate issue, it is the first to actually show the differences in sensory integration in the brain. According to Medical News:
The finding -- based on recordings of electrical activity in the brain -- is concrete evidence that children with autism spectrum disorders process information differently than typical children, according to Sophie Molholm, PhD, of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, and colleagues.
As well as occurring later, so-called "multi-sensory integration" was also less extensive than in typical children, Molholm and colleagues reported online in Autism Research.
[Note: The name of this study is Natalie Russo et al. Multisensory processing in children with autism: high-density electrical mapping of auditory-somatosensory integration. Autism Research, August 17, 2010. I've been unable to find a link; if you have it, please add it to the comments!]
It's important to note that while this study does, indeed, point to empirical evidence of sensory processing differences in people with autism, it says nothing about what impacts that difference may have on behavior or cognition. It also says nothing about how helpful sensory integration therapy or related therapies may be in helping to alleviate sensory dysfunction.
For more information about sensory issues and sensory integration therapy in autism:
I think this is the study link.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.152/abstract
Thanks so much, MJ. As is all too often the frustrating case, no one can SEE the article without a subscription to the journal… still, the abstract is there, which is helpful!
Lisa
Some of the time you can get a copy of the full study text by writing to the authors on the study.
Or, alternatively, check your local library system. Even if they don’t have a subscription to the journal they (normally) can request a copy via interlibrary loan.
If anyone wants the article, I will be happy to e-mail a copy to you (john.foxe@einstein.yu.edu) or you can write directly to Dr Molholm at (sophie.molholm@einstein.yu.edu)
The abstract can accessed here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.152/abstract
You can also access a video of the senior author explaining aspects of the study at The Albert Einstein College website:
http://www.einstein.yu.edu/home/news.asp?ID=564
It need to be integrated in the definition of autism by the DSM IV-R
Where does chemical over-reaction fit in? I was told my 5 year old son’s oversensitivity to perfume and other chemical odors is something he needs to “get over”. The offensive environment is his public school. He was not able to complete pre-K last year and is set to repeat pre-k in a different classroom this year. Over the Summer he regained weight he lost trying to attend class last school year. However, he is still negatively affected by chemical odors of many kinds. Does anyone know his rights in this mess? I am willing to challenge the system. I just need to know how to do it in the proper way. My son is not the only child suffering at this public school. Thanks for any ideas …
I think the words “least restrictive environment” apply here. Occupational therapists working in the schools know not to wear perfume or other scents at work. More kids than we know are sensitive to these chemicals. Whoever told this mom her child had to “get over it” is not very well connected with sensory processing disorders.
RE: Dianne’s Comment
I work in a public school, and it’s SO important to have teachers and SPEC Ed staff ‘Autism Aware”. It seriously grieves me that you have been so rudely spoken to! You can say with feeling that ‘he would get over it if he could, but it’s not as easy as that”! All children with autism are sensitive, whether it be to noise, light, smells, hot, cold, etc. My best advice would be for you to inform the staff and administration (as nicely as you can – honey attracts more flies, after all), on the complexeties of children with his condition, and provide written proof to help support your claim. I live in Canada, and Kinark is a WONDERFUL organization that helps both parents and schools to educate staff and give tips on how to combate problems that autism creates.
If that still fails, contact the higher powers (the district school board, and ask to speak to the superindendant in charge of your particular school.
The teachers need to realize that if your son’s mind is entirely fucused on an irritating smell, his mind cannot learn. He needs to be free of distraction for him to be able to focus. Just as you could not learn in a room with a strobe light going off. For a child with autism, there is no difference.
Try using the analogy, and maybe they’ll see the light. Try approaching them gently, and getting them to see your side. If you come at them ready for war, they’ll just get their backs up, and will be unwilling to listen.
Best of luck. You are far from alone in this fight – educating the world on the complexities of autism.
. I have been living with asperger’s for a long time. I’m not here to ask any questions, as when I read the book on symptoms I fit about 500% of them and could have diagnosed myself although I was diagnosed by about 3 doctors. Anyway, I am in need of meeting other as/developmental disabilities people from 18 and up. I am from new jersey and any help connecting with others who I could share friendship or more with would be appreciated. I have never made one friend, never had one date, never kissed a girl, and never experienced so many things everyone else around me has and at this point I am just growing very frustrated and lonely. thanks.
email sean : thrash2967@yahoo.com
I just find that there is an abyss between the identification of a group of challenges related to the senses (aka sensory dysfunction) and the proposed solutions for those challenges. The first cannot be denied although it is severely overgeneralized and “diagnosed” where it does not have place. The other relies too much on a) loose assessment and b) accommodating versus helping to overcome or minimize the challenges.