Effectiveness of sensory integration treatment on reducing stereotypical behaviors in children with autism

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory integration exercises based on Ayres theory on reducing the stereotypic behaviors in autistic children 3-14 years. An applied research and semi-experimental with pretest_post-test design. Statistical population consisted of all the 3-14 years old autistic children who were be trained in rehabilitation centers in 3 cities in Tehran province. The sample consisted of 20 autistic children that were selected via Targeted sampling method and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups.(10 experimental group and 10 control ) For the experimental group; sensory integration exercises based on Ayres model for six months and three days in a week for an hour each session was conducted on an individual . Data from the stereotyped behaviors sub-test of Gillians Autism Rating Scale obtained .Data were analyzed by independent samples t-test. Our findings showed that the effectiveness and reduction in stereotyped behaviors in autistic children use of sensory integration exercises based on Ayers theory.