Sensory Integration Therapy in Autism

Dr. Anjali Joshi
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy School and Center at K.E.M.Hospital Mumbai.

Abstract:

Sensory Processing Deficits in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement and posture.

Occupational therapists working with cerebral palsy focus on different areas such as activities of daily living play skills, perceptual motor skills along with integration of reflexes and development of postural control.

Sensory processing deficits in cerebral palsy and its impact on motor control has been studied by number of researchers and these studies show that movement and sensations are highly interlinked.

Many children with cerebral palsy exhibit sensory processing and motor planning disorder that impose a great deal of limitations on these children than the actual movement disorder.

The biggest challenge for the therapist is to identify these disorders.

This is primarily because sensory problems affect muscle tone, postural control and interaction with the environment all of which are areas of concern in cerebral palsy.

Sensory processing deficits in cerebral palsy impose a limitation in the child’s ability to transfer those skills that he gains during his therapy into his everyday life.

Primary goal of all the rehabilitation personnel has always been teaching a cerebral palsy child functional independence.

Acknowledging that sensory processing and motor planning deficits exist and careful analysis and treatment of them would help in attaining this goal.  

Dr. Anjali Joshi

Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy School and Center at K.E.M.Hospital Mumbai.