Occupational Therapy & Sensory Integration: A Review from the Autistic Community

Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review from the Autistic Community

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Occupational therapy, ergotherapy, and sensory integration are essential components of the treatment and management of ASD. This article reviews the evidence supporting the inclusion of sensory integration and motor impairment in the diagnostic criteria for ASD and the recommendations from the autistic community.

Sensory Integration in ASD

Sensory integration is a crucial aspect of ASD, as individuals with ASD often experience sensory processing difficulties. These difficulties can manifest as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to various sensory stimuli, such as touch, sound, taste, and visual input[1]. Sensory integration therapy is an evidence-based approach that aims to improve sensory processing and help individuals with ASD better cope with their sensory environment[1].

Motor Impairment in ASD

Motor impairment is a common feature in individuals with ASD, affecting 80 to 90% of them[1]. These motor deficits can manifest as gross motor problems, such as clumsiness and uncoordinated gait, postural control issues, and fine motor deficits[1]. Research has shown that deficits in using skilled movements and gestures to command, imitate, and use tools contribute to motor, social, and communication deficits in ASD. Fine motor deficits also relate to receptive language problems in people with ASD, a relationship not found in typical individuals[1].

Evidence Supporting the Inclusion of Sensory Integration and Motor Impairment in ASD Diagnostic Criteria

A growing body of evidence supports the inclusion of sensory integration and motor impairment in the ASD diagnostic criteria. Sensory integration therapy has been shown to be effective in improving sensory processing and reducing sensory-related challenges in individuals with ASD[1]. Motor impairment is a common feature in individuals with ASD, and it has been suggested as an early sign of the condition[1]. The repetitive motor movements already in the diagnosis signify, in part, a form of self-regulation in response to poor motor control[1].

Recommendations from the Autistic Community

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) has reviewed the DSM-5 criteria for ASD and identified areas of agreement and concern. ASAN recommends the inclusion of sensory integration and motor and movement challenges within the diagnostic criteria for ASD[1]. This would encourage further research on sensory integration and motor impairment in ASD, inform assessment and interventions, and help address the current under-provision of services for sensory integration and motor issues[1].

Conclusion

Sensory integration and motor impairment are essential components of the treatment and management of ASD. The evidence supporting the inclusion of sensory integration and motor impairment in the diagnostic criteria for ASD is growing, and the autistic community has recommended their inclusion. This would help ensure that under-represented groups receive appropriate diagnoses and services, and it would encourage further research on sensory integration and motor impairment in ASD. Medical specialists in the fields of neurology, psychiatry, and occupational therapy should consider these recommendations when diagnosing and treating individuals with ASD.

The information from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is based on their policy brief "ASD in DSM-5: What the Research Shows and Recommendations for Change" by Steven Kapp and Ari Ne’eman[1]. This brief provides a detailed review of the potential implications of the DSM-5 draft criteria for ASD and offers recommendations to address the identified issues.