Article Publications





The following links are of RISING HORIZONS’ article publications at Autism Parenting Magazine (APM). APM is one of the most recognised and subscribed Magazine for Autism Spectrum Disorder. They specialise in providing exemplary, magnificent and precise support strategies for children, adults, and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

According to recent statistics given by the National Autistic Society, there are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK – that's more than 1 in 100. Furthermore, as per their updated report published, it has been found that Autism is not a mental health problem but 71 percent of children have mental health issues such as anxiety, sleep disorganisation and depression.

Often parents of children with sensory processing difficulties raise their concerns related to various issues such as Sleep, Dental Hygiene, and touch (tactile) sensitivity. These have been always mind-boggling subjects for Occupational Therapists working in children services.

After realising the fact that answers to all the questions are not available in textbooks, however, they can be learned through life experiences, I decided to discuss these common subjects with parents, caregivers and work colleagues who have faced similar problems while dealing with their children or clients.

Following articles are an effort to finding solutions of core sensory difficulties utilising the blend of neurological backgrounds and experiences shared by those kind parents who didn’t hesitate to enlighten me with the practical hands-on strategies they devised while supporting their children. I am very grateful to these parents, colleagues and humbled to be part of Autism Parenting Magazine.

I am hopeful that these links can support parents and children to at least fix one to two sensory processing difficulties


Research done by Feig et al. (2012) concludes that there is a significant relationship between tactile defensiveness and self-stimulatory behaviours. They both seem to be problematic as they appear, and interfere in a child’s day-to-day activities. For example, a child who engages in hand-flapping may not be able to do any other activity such as washing or eating on her own. Likewise, due to tactile defensiveness, teeth-brushing, washing, dressing, or other self-care activities will be difficult.



Also, according to the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) Children with Autism either has less or extra sensitivity towards oral care and sensory issues could be one of the main anxiety triggers for children.



Taking Melatonin has proven to be successful medication for children (aged 2-18 years), as stated in research (Melatonin for insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders, published in Journal of Child Neurology, 2008). However, it might have some side effects, too.  Using sensory strategies is the safest, non-pharmacological and innovative approach to making child sleep.



Does your child fume when you try to teach him, good behaviour? Does he slam the door and talk loudly often? Hitting, biting and kicking is part of his behaviour and aggression? Anger is a normal emotion which should be dealt with constructively. The following article discusses concrete tips to control the child's anger without affecting the parent-child relationship.


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