Sensory Integration Therapy for Autism | Cadabams CDC
Sensory Integration Therapy for Autism helps children process everyday sights, sounds, and textures more comfortably. At Cadabams CDC, we combine research-backed methods with child-friendly environments so that parents see real improvements in attention, behaviour, and daily independence.
What Is Sensory Integration Therapy for Autism?
Definition and Core Principles
Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a structured, play-based approach led by certified occupational therapists. It teaches the nervous system to organize and respond to sensory input—touch, movement, body position, sight, and sound—so children can participate in daily life with less distress.
Key principles:
- Individualized goals tied to real-life skills
- Gradual exposure within a safe, sensory-rich gym
- Active child participation through games and obstacle courses
- Continuous feedback to strengthen neural pathways
How It Differs From Other Sensory-Based Interventions
Unlike general “sensory activities,” Sensory Integration Therapy is:
- Assessment-driven: Starts with standardized tests, not guesswork.
- Goal-oriented: Targets specific challenges such as handwriting or haircuts.
- Clinically supervised: Every swing, brush, or weighted blanket is chosen and timed by a trained therapist.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From Sensory Integration Therapy
Common Sensory Processing Difficulties in Autism
- Over-reacts to tags in clothing or sudden noises
- Avoids playground swings or seeks constant spinning
- Crashes into furniture for deep-pressure input
- Melts down in crowded supermarkets
- Poor balance, frequent falling
Red Flags Parents & Teachers Notice at Home and School
| Setting | Typical Red Flags |
|---|---|
| Home | Won’t wear socks, gags on textured foods, takes 30+ min to settle for bed. |
| School | Can’t sit still during circle time, covers ears at the bell, handwriting is either too light or rips the page. |
If two or more of these behaviors occur daily, an assessment can clarify whether sensory integration challenges are the root cause.
Proven Benefits of Sensory Integration Therapy for Children With Autism
Improved Daily Functioning & Independence
Children start dressing, feeding, and toileting with less help. Parents report morning routines shorten from one hour to 20 minutes.
Enhanced Social Participation & Reduced Anxiety
After 12 weeks of therapy:
- 68% of children initiated peer play on the playground
- 54% reduction in tantrums during family outings
Research Highlights From Recent Studies
- A 2023 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy found moderate-to-strong effect sizes for SIT on motor skills and socialization in autistic children.
- Brain-imaging studies show increased connectivity in sensory-motor regions after goal-directed sensory activities.
Our Step-by-Step Sensory Integration Therapy Process
1. Comprehensive Sensory Assessment
We use the Sensory Profile 2 and clinical observations in our autism-designed sensory gym to map your child’s unique triggers and preferences.
2. Individualized Therapy Plan
Goals are written in parent-friendly language, such as “Tolerate hair-washing without screaming for 2 minutes.”
3. Goal-Focused Therapy Sessions
50-minute sessions, twice weekly, blend swinging, climbing, and tactile play. Progress is tracked via video clips shared on our secure parent app.
4. Home Program & Parent Training
Receive:
- 5-minute daily routines that fit before school
- Visual schedules and “sensory diet” cards
- Monthly parent coaching calls
5. Progress Reviews & Adjustments
Every 12 weeks, we re-assess, celebrate wins, and tweak goals—so therapy evolves with your child.
Therapy Techniques & Equipment We Use
Vestibular Swings & Balance Boards
- Linear glider swings build postural control
- Balance boards improve bilateral coordination for shoe-tying
Tactile Bins & Proprioceptive Tools
- Rice, beans, and kinetic sand bins desensitize little hands
- Weighted blankets and therapy putty give calming deep pressure
Multisensory Gyms Designed for Autism
Our gyms include dimmable lights, sound-absorbing panels, crash pads, and rope ladders—everything needed to turn “work” into play.
Meet Our Sensory Integration Specialists
Certified Occupational Therapists With ASD Expertise
Each therapist holds a Master’s in Occupational Therapy and additional certification in Ayres Sensory Integration®. Average caseload: 7+ years with autistic children.
Ongoing Training in Latest SI Approaches
Quarterly workshops on neurodiversity-affirming practices ensure techniques stay fresh and evidence-based.
Success Stories & Parent Testimonials
Case Snapshot: Overcoming Tactile Defensiveness
Arjun, age 5
- Challenge: Screamed during every haircut
- Therapy: Graduated exposure with vibrating clippers and tactile brushes
- Outcome: After 8 weeks, Arjun sat through a full haircut smiling and gave the stylist a high-five.
Case Snapshot: Boosting Classroom Focus
Sara, age 7
- Challenge: Constantly out of seat, disrupting lessons
- Therapy: 10-minute “sensory warm-up” using resistance tunnels and therapy balls
- Outcome: Teacher reported a 40% increase in on-task behavior during math lessons.