Interventions for Sensory Over-Responsivity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit sensory over-responsivity (SOR), which is characterized by an overwhelmingly negative reaction to or avoidance of sensory stimulation. Despite the detrimental effects of SOR on people’s personal and social lives, the knowledge of and interventions for the issue remain limited. This paper collates and reviews studies on SOR and information on the potential for effective interventions for people with ASD. This review reveals evidence that SOR has a close relationship with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and family life impairment and an underlying mechanism related to SOR. Four interventions and their theoretical bases in sensory-motor processing are discussed in this paper, namely, physical activity (PA), sensory integration therapy (SIT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These interventions focus on establishing coping strategies for regulating the emotional response to sensory information, and they have been found to be effective and to have the potential to help children with ASD reduce their SOR behaviors. This paper provides guidance for selecting appropriate interventions and for further investigation of more effective interventions in the future.

A multidimensional investigation of the relationship between skin-mediated somatosensory signals, emotion regulation and behavior problems in autistic children

“…Similarly, examples of interventions guiding the regulation of sensory strategies are: cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, sensory integration, massage and sensory-adapted environments. These interventions have obtained encouraging results for regulating adverse sensory experiences and enhancing participation ( Reis et al, 2021 ; Yuan et al, 2022 ; Stein Duker et al, 2023 ). Nonetheless, novel treatment strategies that aim at modifying sensory perception in order to modulate emotion regulation and behavior, are still scant.…”

Effectiveness of picture‐based interventions of toothbrush training on improvement of oral hygiene in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…It is also challenging for children with ASD to receive treatment at the dental clinic as they usually experience anxiety because of the activities that are not included in their daily routine. They are extremely sensitive to sensory stimuli such as strong sounds, bright light, sensations and scents and hence need to be taught the daily living skills as a part of their daily routine 7,8 . There are a multitude of behavioral interventions that have been employed among children with ASD which includes applied behavior analysis (ABA), sensory integration therapy (SIT), mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT), Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and visual pedagogy (VP).…”

“…There are a multitude of behavioral interventions that have been employed among children with ASD which includes applied behavior analysis (ABA), sensory integration therapy (SIT), mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT), Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and visual pedagogy (VP). Visual Pedagogy are basically picture based interventions employed in children with autism in order to communicate, teach, and manage their day‐to‐day activities 8 . Visual pedagogy utilizes visible actions or images to convey the ideas thereby enabling increase of specific skills of children.…”

“…They are extremely sensitive to sensory stimuli such as strong sounds, bright light, sensations and scents and hence need to be taught the daily living skills as a part of their daily routine. 7,8 There are a multitude of behavioral interventions that have been employed among children with ASD which includes applied behavior analysis (ABA), sensory integration therapy (SIT), mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT), Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and visual pedagogy (VP). Visual Pedagogy are basically picture based interventions employed in children with autism in order to communicate, teach, and manage their day-to-day activities.…”

“…Visual Pedagogy are basically picture based interventions employed in children with autism in order to communicate, teach, and manage their day-to-day activities. 8 Visual pedagogy utilizes visible actions or images to convey the ideas thereby enabling increase of specific skills of children. It involves the use of pictures/images either printed on paper or visual pedagogy involves the administration of the samethough digital gadgets (smartphones or tablets).…”