Sensory integration therapy and selective eating behavior in autism spectrum disorder: a case study

• Autor(a) principal: Oliveira, Carla de Sousa
• Data de Publicação: 2022
• Outros Autores: Costa, Raira Rodrigues da, Damasceno, Thayná Maura da Costa, Costa, Elson Ferreira
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Research, Society and Development
• Texto Completo: https://rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/26665
• topic: Terapia ocupacional; Trastorno del espectro autista; Alimentación.; Occupational therapist; Autism spectrum disorder; Alimentation.; Terapia ocupacional; Transtorno do espectro autista; Alimentação.

Autism spectrum disorder is a global developmental disorder and is characterized by a triad of persistent impairments that manifest themselves in deficits in social interaction, communication and behavior, as diagnosed people present repetitive and restrictive behavior. Among the atypical behaviors presented, food selectivity stands out. Such behavior is usually associated with sensory-based dysfunction, especially in children. The present study aims to describe and analyze the results of sensory integration therapy and selective eating behavior of autism spectrum disorder. This is case study research, with document analysis and a qualitative approach to the data. The participants were two children with autism spectrum disorder who present food selectivity and underwent sensory integration treatment. An average of 40 to 50 therapeutic sessions were analyzed and there was a decrease in the food selectivity of both children, after the beginning of the sensorial integration interventions, being worked first, the sensorial modulation and, then, the food selectivity, according to their sensory profile. During this period, the break in routine was also observed to influence the therapeutic process. In addition, the importance of teamwork to advance cases is highlighted.