Awareness programme on autism and sensory integration therapy
Sanjeevani Health Care Trust and Autism Centre recently conducted an awareness programme on autism and sensory integration therapy. Co-ordinated by the Medical Social Work students of Sri Narayana Guru College, the session was mainly aimed at parents in helping them handle their autistic children.Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by difficulties in communication skills, social interaction and imagination, says J.Menaka, Occupational Therapist at the centre. It is a developmental disorder and the symptoms are usually apparent by the age of three, she adds.Since these children suffer from sensory dysfunction, they might over react overtly or react poorly to sensory inputs.The same individual could respond to one sensation very well and very poorly to another.Through sensory integration, development in deficient areas can be stimulated. Occupational therapists are trained to identify and address the needs of each autistic child.According to studies on autism, biochemical abnormalities in the brain, hereditary factors or the stress during pregnancy could lead to autism.
However, early intervention and treatment would help in recovery, Ms. Menaka says.Senthil Kumar, Psychologist from Best Counselling centre, who conducted the parental counselling session, discussed issues on handling autistic children.How to improve eye-contact, communication skills, reduce hyperactivity and behavioural problems in them were discussed. Providing psychological support to the parents in handling their children was very important, he said.The programme was attended by both parents and their children.
