USING THE SENSORY INTEGRATION TECHNIQUE FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS DURING TRAINING AT THE CLIMBING SECTION

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the practical application of the sensory integration technique for individuals with autism spectrum disorder at a climbing section, and to investigate the impact of physical activity on improving their proprioceptive and vestibular systems. Materials and Methods: The method of included participant observation at the climbing classes with constant recording the behavior (desirable and undesirable) was used. The sensory screening (developed by J. Ayres) was applied for recording and determining the sensory systems of the people with ASD before the start of training and again after a month. The scale of Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) was used for assessing certain aspects of participants’ sensory processing or perception according to the goals set during the climbing classes. Results: The results of the research showed that the application of the sensory integration technique for individuals with ACD at a climbing section promoted the dynamics of changes in their sensory system during training considering the characteristics of their sensory system. The positive changes were observed in the way the people with ACD felt about their own bodies and their involvement in sports activities that in its turn made it possible to be active and develop their sensory system. It has been identified that while planning training for the people with ASD it is necessary to take into account sensory modulation (reading sensory signals) and apply exercises for stimulating sensory sensations that will improve the motor activity of persons with ASD, their social interaction, and safety, as well. Conclusions: During training at the climbing section sensory information processing of the individuals with ASD have the impact on their body control, hand-eye coordination, and hand sensitivity during training. The improvement of sensory information processing in its turn enables people with ASD to master climbing.