How Sensory Integration Therapy Helps Children with Autism ADHD and Developmental Delays

Every child learns and experiences the world through their senses. They touch, see, hear, move, balance, smell and explore constantly. For many children especially those with autism ADHD and developmental delays this sensory information does not get processed smoothly. They may feel overwhelmed by sounds, textures or lights or they may not notice important cues from their surroundings. This difficulty in processing sensory input can affect behaviour learning communication and daily activities.

At Buds to Blossom Child Development Centre in Chennai led by Dr Balaji Baskaran Occupational Therapist sensory integration therapy plays an important role in helping children strengthen the way their brain interprets and responds to sensory information. Through structured sensory experiences the child gradually becomes more organised calm and capable in day to day functioning.

This blog explains how sensory integration therapy works and why it can create significant positive changes for children with autism, ADHD and developmental delays.

Understanding Sensory Processing

Children receive information from multiple senses such as touch, sound, vision, movement, body awareness, and balance. When these senses work together smoothly, the child can focus, learn, follow instructions, play, and communicate with ease.

However, some children experience sensory processing difficulties. This means the brain struggles to organise information from the senses. As a result, the child may show signs such as:

  • Becoming upset or fearful with loud sounds
  • Avoiding certain clothing textures or food textures
  • Constantly moving or seeking intense physical activities
  • Difficulty sitting in one place
  • Poor balance or coordination
  • Trouble focusing during school work
  • Meltdowns in busy or noisy environments

These challenges are commonly seen in children with autism, ADHD, and global developmental delays. Sensory Integration Therapy helps the child understand sensory messages in a better way, so they can feel more confident and comfortable.

What Is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory Integration Therapy is a play-based approach used by trained occupational therapists to help children process sensory information more effectively. The goal is not just to expose the child to sensory input; instead, the therapist carefully provides activities that encourage the brain to form stronger and more organised connections.

Therapy sessions take place in a specially designed environment that includes swings, climbing structures, tactile materials, deep pressure tools, balance equipment, and other sensory-rich items. Each activity has a purpose, even though it looks like play. The therapist observes the child’s responses and creates a sequence of sensory experiences that support better regulation and improved functioning.

How Sensory Integration Therapy Helps Children with Autism

Children with autism often have sensory differences that affect behaviour, communication, and social interaction. Some may be extremely sensitive to sound or touch, while others may seek strong movement input or deep pressure. Sensory Integration Therapy supports these needs in several ways:

  • Improved ability to handle sensory input: Children become more comfortable with sounds, textures, lights, and movements that once felt difficult, helping reduce stress and meltdowns.
  • Better communication and social interaction: When a child feels calmer and more regulated, they are able to engage with people and respond to communication more naturally.
  • Enhanced learning: By reducing sensory overload, the child can focus better, supporting classroom learning and daily routines.
  • Reduced repetitive behaviours: Many repetitive behaviours are the child’s way of managing sensory discomfort. As sensory processing improves, these behaviours naturally decrease.

How Sensory Integration Therapy Supports Children with ADHD

Children with ADHD often struggle with sitting still, paying attention, and filtering distractions. Sensory processing challenges frequently contribute to these difficulties. Sensory Integration Therapy provides structured sensory experiences that support better focus and regulation.

  • Better self-regulation: Sensory activities help the nervous system stay calm and organised, reducing impulsiveness and improving emotional control.
  • Improved focus: When sensory distractions are managed, children can listen, follow instructions, and complete tasks more consistently.
  • Enhanced body awareness: Many children with ADHD struggle with proprioception. Therapy helps them understand body movement and maintain better posture or stay seated when needed.
  • Reduced restlessness: Controlled movement activities provide the sensory input the child needs, lowering excessive movement during daily routines.

How Sensory Integration Therapy Helps Children with Developmental Delays

Children with developmental delays may have difficulties with motor skills, communication, behaviour, or cognitive abilities. Sensory processing challenges often play a major role in these delays. Sensory Integration Therapy supports development in several meaningful ways:

  • Supporting motor development: Activities involving climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling, and swinging help improve strength, coordination, and overall motor confidence.
  • Improving daily living skills: Children learn to tolerate grooming, dressing, feeding, and other routines with less stress as their sensory system becomes more organised.
  • Enhancing attention and problem-solving: As sensory processing improves, children participate better in therapy sessions, school activities, and play.
  • Encouraging independence: With better sensory regulation, children perform tasks more confidently, supporting long-term development.

What Happens During a Therapy Session at Buds to Blossom

At Buds to Blossom, led by Dr. Balaji Baskaran, Occupational Therapist in Chennai, each child begins with a detailed assessment. The therapist observes sensory responses, motor skills, behaviour, and developmental needs. Based on these findings, a customised therapy plan is created to address the child’s sensory challenges.

Sessions typically include purposeful sensory activities such as:

  • Swinging for vestibular input
  • Deep pressure or joint compression
  • Obstacle courses
  • Brushing programs
  • Visual-motor games
  • Tactile exploration
  • Balance and coordination tasks

The therapist gently guides the child, expanding their ability to process sensory information while ensuring the environment feels safe, fun, and motivating.

Benefits Parents Commonly Notice

Parents often report meaningful improvements after consistent Sensory Integration Therapy, such as:

  • Calmer and more settled behaviour
  • Better sleep patterns
  • Improved focus during school work
  • Reduced fear of sound or touch
  • More interest in playing with peers
  • Greater independence in daily routines
  • Better communication and engagement with others

These positive changes create a strong foundation for long-term growth and improved functioning.

Caring for Children Through Sensory Integration at Buds to Blossom

Sensory Integration Therapy is a powerful approach that supports children with autism, ADHD, and developmental delays by strengthening how their brain interprets and responds to the world. At Buds to Blossom Child Development Centre in Chennai, Dr. Balaji Baskaran and his team provide structured, compassionate occupational therapy that helps children feel more confident, regulated, and ready to learn.