Many autistic children seem to live in their own world, one of the main frustrations for many parents. However, parents can use a variety of activities to promote stimulation in their children, which can help children interact more with the world around them. Monotonous activities can exacerbate symptoms, so changing the types of activities can help the most.
Sensory Stimulation
Sensory stimulation works by using a person's muscles and nerves. While any physical activity can produce sensory stimulation, the most beneficial form can overcome integration dysfunction. Many autistic children seem to have their higher brain functions "turned off." When there is sensory deprivation, symptoms can include restlessness, irritability, disorientation and anxiety, which are also commonly seen symptoms of autism.
Activities that encourage sensory stimulation include floor play and games that require the child to actively move around. If the sensory stimulation activities can be integrated into a game, it will be more encouraging for the child.
Auditory Training
Auditory training may sensitize or desensitize one or more of the essential senses. Auditory training can help autistic children focus their attention and react to the appropriate stimulus. There are two types of approaches to auditory training: the Berard approach and the Tomatis approach. The Berard approach works over a period of 10 to 12 days, while the Tomatis approach lasts from six to 12 months.
Auditory training works by using a machine with headphone attachments for the autistic patient. The machine randomly selects high and low frequencies from a sample of music, and then sends those random frequencies to the headphones. Through auditory training, the autistic child is taught to listen for a specific type of sound. Auditory training fosters selective attention and stimulates the child's cognitive functions.
Self-Stimulatory Behavior
Like sensory stimulation and auditory training, self-stimulatory behavior also works by getting the autistic child to interact and use different mental functions. However, self-stimulatory behavior relies on using reinforcement when the child performs a task correctly. For example, every time the autistic child acts on his own, he receives a token--which motivates the child to act on his own.
Tags: Auditory training, auditory training, autistic child, autistic children, sensory stimulation, autistic children seem, Berard approach