Effectiveness of combined sensory integration and behavioral intervention on insistence of sameness in daily routine among children with Autism Spectrum disorder Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD is a complex neuro developmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors RRBs including Insistence on Sameness IS a strong preference for routine and resistance to change IS behaviors often interfering with learning adaptability and daily functioning particularly in early childhood when developmental flexibility is crucial

While Behavioral Interventions like Functional Communication Training are effective in addressing maladaptive behaviors and Sensory Integration Therapy SIT is commonly used to manage sensory processing difficulties very few studies have evaluated the combined effectiveness of these approaches in reducing IS behaviors specifically related to daily routines

Children with ASD often exhibit IS as a coping mechanism for underlying sensory dysregulation Therefore a combined approach targeting both behavioral rigidity and sensory processing dysfunction may be more effective than isolated interventions This dual focus intervention could provide meaningful improvements in behavioral flexibility independence and overall quality of life

Given the limited empirical evidence from Indian contexts there is a pressing need for research to validate culturally and contextually relevant interventions that address IS in daily life among Indian children with ASD

Insistence on sameness IS is a core feature of autism spectrum disorder ASD characterized by a preference for routines resistance to change and repetitive behaviors These behaviors often manifest in daily routines leading to significant challenges in flexibility and adaptability The repetitive behavior scale revised RBS R is a commonly used tool to assess the severity of IS behaviors in individuals with ASD Kennedy krieger institute

Sensory processing dysfunction including hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli is prevalent among children with ASD This dysfunction can exacerbate IS behaviors as individuals may seek predictability to manage sensory overload Sensory integration therapy SIT aims to address these sensory processing issues by providing structured sensory experiences to help individuals modulate their sensory responses Behavioral interventions such focus on modifying maladaptive behaviors and promoting functional skills through reinforcement strategies

When combined sit and behavioral interventions offer a comprehensive approach to managing IS behaviors by addressing both sensory and behavioral components Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of individual interventions in reducing IS behaviors However there is limited research exploring the combined impact of SIT and behavioral interventions on IS in daily routines among children with ASD This gap underscores the need for empirical studies to evaluate the synergistic effects of these interventions