A plan to merge two South Texas universities into one and …
The Senate Nominations Committee has approved Gov. Rick Perry's…
The Texas Senate is getting to the nominees with just one week…
The bill says regents could not fire presidents without first …
Advertisement
UT researchers question autism therapy
Sensory Integrated Therapy: No scientific proof
Updated: Saturday, 08 Dec 2012, 11:54 AM CST
Published : Monday, 19 Nov 2012, 10:30 PM CST
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability and for years, researchers have been working to find the best way to treat it.
But a new study review by The University of Texas shows one of the most popular Autism therapies lacks scientific support.
Miriam Nisembaum of Easter Seals Central Texas, has been helping children with autism for decades. The disorder can heighten the senses to the point where its extremely uncomfortable.
Easter Seals Central Texas offers therapy for children that suffer from the disorder.
"Some kids have issues with light, with touch, with fabric, and movement," said Nisembaum. "It just depends on the child."
Some doctors have practiced using a technique called sensory integration therapy (SIT) , where exercises that trigger the senses are used to calm patients down.
"Therapists who use SIT may have a child with ASD wear a weighted vest, swing, sit on a bouncy ball, or be compressed between pillows," said Dr. Russell Lang, lead investigator in the SIT literature review.
But UT researchers looked at 25 major studies on SIT and found there was no scientific proof that it improves the conditions of children with autism.
"There were 14 studies that had some good things and some bad things," said Lang. "And then eight studies that showed no benefit or a worsening of the condition."
Despite the review the popular treatment still has thousands of parents saying SIT works.
"I would just encourage that if you are receiving sensory integration therapy that you collect data that you can quantify your child's behaviors and actually measure their improvement," said Lang.
With so many different forms of the disorder, doctors say knowing your child's unique needs is key to finding what works best for you.
To read the UT review of the study click here.
Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users or are offensive in nature may be removed. KXAN is not responsible for the content posted in this comment section. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report Abuse."
Email This
Print This
View Story on a Single PageAdvertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement