The Efficacy of Online Occupational Therapy in Sensory Processing Disorder: A Case Study

Sensory processing challenges are far more common in autism than many parents realize — and occupational therapy has a well-established role in addressing them. This case study walks through a real, data-backed example of how online occupational therapy was used to support a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing disorder (SPD), including the assessment approach, intervention strategies, and what the year-over-year data showed.

Understanding Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability rooted in differences in brain development. It commonly involves challenges with social communication and interaction, alongside restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests. People with ASD may also experience learning, movement, and attention differently from their neurotypical peers.

According to current estimates, about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, and roughly 1 in 6 children aged 3–17 has been diagnosed with some form of developmental disability — a category that includes autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and blindness, among others.

Why Sensory Processing Matters in Autism

Sensory processing difficulties accompany autism in more than 80% of cases. In fact, hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input is now recognized as a diagnostic criterion for ASD. Sensory integration theory identifies five to seven systems as central to this picture — vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, auditory, visual, plus smell and taste — all of which can be affected to varying degrees.

Case Study Overview

Client profile:

• Age: 5.5 years old

• Diagnosis: Autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder

• Assessment tool: Sensory Profile (caregiver questionnaire)

• Assessment period: August 2022 to July 2023

The Sensory Profile is a caregiver-completed questionnaire that measures how a child responds to everyday sensory events. It scores multiple sensory domains to indicate the extent of sensitivity or under-responsiveness in each area.

The GRAPH presents data on different sensory sensitivities and their corresponding percentages for the years 2022 and 2023, along with the total values. In 2022, Tactile Sensitivity accounted for 24 (69%) of the total, Taste/Smell Sensitivity accounted for 12 (60%), Movement Sensitivity accounted for 3 (20%), Under-responsive/Seeks Sensation accounted for 14 (40%), Auditory Filtering accounted for 10 (33%), Low Energy/Weak accounted for 11 (37%), and Visual/Auditory Sensitivity accounted for 15 (60%). The total value in 2022 was 89 (47%). Moving to 2023, there was significant growth in all categories, resulting in a total value of 154 (81%), indicating a substantial increase in sensory sensitivities overall

Note: the original case data reported category-level scores only for 2022, with a combined total for both years. See the flag at the end of this document regarding how to interpret the increase from 47% to 81%.

Intervention Plan by Sensory Domain

1. Tactile Sensitivity

• Increase exposure to tactile stimuli through sand play, finger painting, and textured materials.

• Gradually introduce new textures to build tolerance over time.

• Use deep pressure and proprioceptive input during activities for a calming effect.

2. Taste/Smell Sensitivity

• Offer a variety of tastes and textures to encourage exploration.

• Introduce new flavors and smells gradually, starting from preferred foods.

• Build a predictable mealtime routine to reduce anxiety and support positive eating experiences.

3. Movement Sensitivity

• Use controlled movement activities such as swinging or rocking.

• Gradually introduce movement experiences like bike riding or trampoline jumping.

• Build motor planning skills through obstacle courses and structured games.

4. Under-Responsive / Sensory-Seeking Behavior

• Create a sensory-rich environment to boost engagement and responsiveness.

• Add sensory breaks throughout the day to support attention and alertness.

• Use higher-intensity sensory input activities, such as crash pads or therapy balls.

5. Auditory Filtering

• Establish a quiet, structured environment to reduce auditory distractions.

• Use visual supports — schedules and cues — to reduce reliance on auditory processing.

• Gradually introduce auditory stimuli alongside coping strategies for auditory overload.

6. Low Energy / Weak Muscle Tone

• Build strength and endurance through climbing, jumping, or animal-walk exercises.

• Use engaging, motivating activities to sustain participation and energy.

• Provide frequent breaks and pacing strategies to prevent fatigue.

7. Visual/Auditory Sensitivity

• Maintain a visually organized, calm environment to minimize sensory overload.

• Use ear defenders or noise-cancelling headphones to reduce auditory sensitivity.

• Gradually introduce visually stimulating materials, with support to manage anxiety or aversion.

What This Case Study Shows

Occupational therapy interventions for children with autism are never one-size-fits-all — they're built around each child's individual sensory profile. The core goal is always the same: improve quality of life and support meaningful participation in daily activities. Sensory integration therapy, in particular, tends to work best as part of a broader, holistic, client-centered treatment plan.

This case underscores just how central sensory processing is to the autism experience, and the role occupational therapy plays in addressing it directly — by creating a sensory-friendly environment, gradually building tolerance to different sensory experiences, and layering in the right supports and strategies. Regular reassessment is essential, since a child's sensory needs shift as they grow and progress.

Ultimately, occupational therapy helps children with autism build the skills they need for everyday life — not through generic protocols, but through evidence-based, individualized intervention.

Book a sensory processing assessment with 1SpecialPlace if you'd like to understand your child's sensory profile.

Related Reading & Support Resources

Explore more sensory processing and occupational therapy support at 1SpecialPlace:

• Occupational Therapy for Children — building motor, sensory, and self-regulation skills

• Sensory Processing Disorder Therapy — evaluation and treatment for sensory integration challenges

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment — evidence-based therapy approaches for children on the spectrum

• Meet Our Occupational Therapists — certified, experienced OT specialists

• Book a Free Screening — assess your child's sensory and developmental needs

External resources on autism and sensory processing:

• CDC — Autism Spectrum Disorder Data & Statistics

• STAR Institute — Sensory Processing Disorder Overview