SENSORY APPROACHES IN THE CARE OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN NON-CLINICAL SETTINGS

Abstract

This systematic bibliographic review examines sensory approaches applied to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in non-clinical settings, focusing on intervention types, implementation parameters, functional outcomes and barriers to adoption in schools and homes, based on the premise that attention to sensory individuality and the integration of individualized assessment, implementer training and family involvement are pillars for practice effectiveness, findings on Ayres-based sensory integration programs, caregiver-mediated interventions and sensory-environmental strategies were synthesized, methodological heterogeneity that limits direct study comparisons was identified and, consequently, standardization of fidelity reporting, use of participation-centered outcomes and hybrid efficacy-implementation studies are recommended to support practical translation, furthermore, recommendations for spatial design, teacher training and inclusion of low-cost components to promote sustainability and equity in access to interventions are highlighted, implying that consolidation of effective sensory practices depends on integrating evidence, training and education policies guided by sensory diversity.