Sensory Integration and Sensory "Diets"
Children with autism often have sensory integration problems. Some can't handle noises, certain touches or textures, and some crave certain sensory experiences. The sensory problems may involve any of the body's sensory systems: sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste, balance, and weight. Sensory Integration is a field of occupational therapy that identifies the difficult sensory systems for your child and then provides therapy (often in the form of a sensory "diet") to meet the needs of your child. For example, a child who had difficulty being touched may go through an activity in which they are brushed with a surgical brush, this may be followed with crunching hard vegetables, and then playing with sticky or slimey substances. For more information on sensory integration and sensory "diet", see these web sites:
Arlene Taylor - Sensory Preference Assessment - Read the instructions and explanation first and then use the Sensory Preference Assessment to help set up the sensory diet.
Disclaimer: The Autism Home Page provides this information for educational purposes only and this is not to be construed as medical advice. The Autism Home Page does not necessarily recommend any of these web sites.