Sensory – based approaches for autistic children with NDIS and the Autism CRC Report

Occupational therapists working with autistic children should have a robust understanding of sensory processing foundations for several crucial reasons outlined in the recommendations for sensory-based interventions in the Autism CRC report, emphasising the importance of individualised, family-centered, and strengths-focused approaches within the NDIS framework.

The Autism CRC report, focusing on interventions for autistic children, provides key recommendations and principles endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

“The guiding principles provide practitioners with a starting point for approaching all aspects of their work with children, families, and those who seek to support them. Guiding principles can also be helpful to children, families, all members of the autistic and autism community, and policy makers when making decisions about services and supports in the best interests of children”

https://www.autismcrc.com.au/access/supporting-children/recommendations/guiding-principles

The Guideline was developed by a Guideline Development Group, which included 15 people with a range of expertise. This included people with lived experience (autistic people and parents), professional expertise (medical and allied health), expertise in working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and expertise in human ethics.

Below is my summary of the guidelines that are pertinent to OTs working in Australia and serving autistic children in their practice. I have added a paragraph beneath each recommendation highlighting how sensory processing theory is relevant for each. 

Child and Family Centred (Recommendation 1)

Supports should prioritise individual goals, preferences, and circumstances through shared decision-making, respecting and valuing the child and family.

 Sensory processing is highly individualised, and child and family-centred. Occupational therapists should understand the unique sensory profiles of each autistic child, considering their individual goals, preferences, and circumstances. This knowledge allows therapists to tailor interventions that align with the child's specific sensory needs and support their overall well-being.

Individualised (Recommendation 2)

Interventions should be tailored to the unique needs of each child and family.

 Sensory processing difficulties vary widely among autistic children. A deep understanding of sensory processing foundations enables occupational therapists to provide interventions that are specifically tailored to address the sensory challenges of each child. Individualised supports contribute to the effectiveness of interventions and better outcomes for the child.

 Strengths Focused (Recommendation 3)

Supports should build on the strengths and interests of each child and their family.

Knowledge of sensory processing foundations allows occupational therapists to identify and build on the sensory strengths of autistic children. By recognising and leveraging these strengths, therapists can design interventions that not only address challenges but also enhance the child's positive sensory experiences, contributing to their overall development.

 Holistic (Recommendation 4)

Interventions should consider all aspects of the child, family, and community in setting and achieving goals.

 Sensory processing is an integral aspect of a child's overall development. Occupational therapists, with a solid understanding of sensory foundations, can adopt a holistic approach when planning interventions. This includes considering all aspects of the child's sensory experiences, interactions, and environments to support their development fully.

 Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices (Recommendation 14)

Supports should embrace the unique understanding of the world by each child without aiming to 'cure' autism.

Sensory processing challenges are often a part of the neurodiversity of autistic individuals. Occupational therapists who understand sensory processing foundations can implement interventions that acknowledge and respect the unique sensory experiences of each child.

These recommendations you will recognise as guiding principles within occupational therapy as well. In section 3 of the CRC document they recommend Selecting and Planning Resources and here they focus on Sensory Experiences.

Effective Sensory supports (Section 3 – Recommendation 28)

The information emphasises the importance of meeting the child's sensory needs across activities, interactions, and settings. Occupational therapists, with a good understanding of sensory processing foundations, can design and implement effective sensory supports. This includes strategies to help children develop awareness of their sensory states, express their needs, and create environments conducive to meeting their sensory requirements.

 In summary, a solid understanding of sensory processing foundations is essential for occupational therapists working with autistic children to provide individualised, strengths-focused, and holistic interventions that align with the child and family's goals. This approach is in line with the principles outlined by the NDIS, as described in the Autism CRC report.

References:

https://www.autismcrc.com.au/access/supporting-children

https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/research-and-evaluation/early-interventions-and-high-volume-cohorts/evidence-review-early-interventions-children-autism/sensory-based-interventions#notes

https://www.autismcrc.com.au/access/supporting-children/recommendations/guiding-principles

Whitehouse, A., Varcin, K., Waddington, H., Sulek, R., Bent, C., Ashburner, J., Eapen, V., Goodall, E., Hudry, K., Roberts, J., Silove, N., Trembath, D. Interventions for children on the autism spectrum: A synthesis of research evidence. Autism CRC, Brisbane, 2020