Autism spectrum disorders, or ASD, are complex developmental disabilities that may lead to problems with social interaction and communication. Autism's severity ranges case by case, making cause and cure difficult to determine. ASD is often characterized by hypersensitivity to the five senses -- touch, sound, taste, vision or smell. Children with autism may also have a decreased sense of where they are in space, or proprioception. Panic and anxiety can stem from this lack of proprioception. Providing a daily structure, deep touch pressure and activities or objects that stimulate their senses can increase proprioception and promote calm.
Developing and Maintaining Structure
Step 1
Change your home environment to suit your child's needs. If she is light sensitive, choose lights with dimming switches or lower watt bulbs. Furniture location, color or texture may also need altering. Create a room or area for your child that calms her and positively stimulates her senses.
Step 2
Plan a daily routine, and stick to it. Children with ASD often like and need routine to feel safe. Make the schedule clear to your child, following it every day to instill a sense of regularity and comfort.
Step 3
Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable jobs. Overwhelming a child -- or even yourself -- with intricate duties can cause stress and anxiety. Having greater control over herself and her environment promotes calm and a sense of accomplishment.
Deep Touch Pressure
Step 1
Place heavy blankets or wrap or swaddle your child in blankets to produce a calming effect. Light touches can cause him to pull away or stiffen up. Deeper, constant pressure, however, may relieve anxiety and build tolerance to being touched.
Step 2
Press an exercise ball against your child when she is nervous or anxious during the day or outside playing. Similar to the blankets, the ball provides constant, gentle stimulation that helps orient a child to her environment.
Step 3
Invest in a mummy sleeping bag for your child, as these fit the body more snugly than blankets. The use of a mummy bag can improve your child's sleep patterns.
Calming Movements
Step 1
Ask your child to stand up and march, touching her hand to the opposite knee. You can also have her touch eyes, nose, ears and mouth as she marches. Repetitive movement reduces anxiety. Touching various parts of her body helps increase her proprioception.
Step 2
Have your child stand up and shake "wiggles" out of his pockets. He can reach into his pockets and pull out "wiggles," which he can rub on his arms and legs, shaking whatever limbs the wiggles are rubbed onto. After he shakes his limbs, you brush the wiggles off, and those limbs calm down. Eventually, his whole body is calm and he is able to continue with his activities.
Step 3
Play "popcorn," a game that encourages your child to move at your signal. Begin by asking him to sit in a chair, and stand up and sit back down whenever you say the word "pop." Alter the rhythm, beginning slowly, getting faster and then slowing down again to end the exercise.
Tips and Warnings
- Exercises and activities, like his schedule, should be repeated regularly. Activities which elicit a positive response should be chosen as part of the routine.
Things You'll Need
- Picture or written daily schedule
- Heavy blankets or mummy bag
- Exercise ball
- Chair
References
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development: Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Autism and School Based Programming: Sensory Integration
- AutismToday.com: 7 Essential Tips For Calming Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
- "Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology"; Calming Effects of Deep Touch Pressure in Patients with Autistic Disorder; T. Grandin, Ph.D.; 1992
- Candice Donnelly-Knox, O.T.R./L., Director of Clinical Services; Pediatric Therapeutic Services; Conshahocken, PA
