swing therapy for autistic children
Most of us have no problem combining all of our senses. However, for autistic children (and adults), it is a very challenging task. Processing stimuli from the senses of sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, balance, and the body is overwhelming. Those with autism often withdraw to avoid overstimulation, or try to command the input of their senses with self-developed calming mechanisms and repetitive behaviors.
A significant amount of occupational therapy for autism focuses on sensory integration through specially designed programs. Some of the best tools for sensory integration therapy for autistic-type disorders are various types of swings. People with various autism spectrum disorders such as autism, PDD, ADHD, Asperger’s, proprioceptive dysfunction, and tactile defense will benefit from using swings as part of their therapy.
Additionally, children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorders (also called Sensory Integration Disorders), especially those with proprioceptive or vestibular dysfunction, should definitely have therapy swings or hammocks as a crucial element of their treatment.
The benefits of the hammock can be twofold. Children who find the gentle, rocking motion soothing will relax while using it. However, children who have vestibular dysfunction will feel uncomfortable while in the bouncer and may initially protest its use. For them, hammock therapy is more about regaining balance and learning to tolerate vestibular stimuli.
The rocking motion restores balance to the vestibular system, provides proprioceptive feedback (deep pressure), and generally helps children on the autism spectrum feel more “in balance.” The relaxing movement of the swing soothes, relaxes and increases concentration. Children who have trouble concentrating on tasks such as reading or math may find it easier to concentrate while sitting in a hammock with their bodies in a relaxing motion.
Setting up a swing at home is easy and does not require a large investment. A hammock, hammock chair, hanging bag, or therapy platform swing are relatively inexpensive, easy to find, and don’t take up a lot of space. Making a platform swing out of a hammock is an easy do-it-yourself project, with instructions available on our blog. Place one in the child’s bedroom, playroom, or family room for a retreat or therapy corner for an autistic child.