Sensory integration therapy is in high demand

In Mersin, the ‘Sensory Integration Therapy’ offered by the Autism Family Counseling Center is in high demand from families. Children aged 0-72 with disabilities in all groups benefit from the service provided at the center under the Metropolitan Municipality Health Affairs Department. Over 1000 sessions have been conducted in the sensory integration therapy service initiated by the Metropolitan Municipality in 2019. Children receive therapy services in the form of 1 session per week for 12 sessions at the center. The demand for the service, which is costly and requires materials, is increasing day by day. Families who want to benefit from the service need to apply to the Autism Family Counseling Center.
“Decisions are made individually for education” Occupational therapist Kutlay Karakoyun, who works at the center, stated that sensory integration therapy is one of the most popular areas. Karakoyun expressed that children with various developmental delays, with or without disabilities, sometimes have sensory problems. Karakoyun said, “Sensory integration therapy is a valid therapy method for them to tolerate these easier and adapt to life. I work with 30 children weekly. Each receives 12 sessions. Firstly, we learn about the child’s life with the family. Then we decide what the child needs. All education decisions are made individually. We evaluate the child’s developmental stages and support them to progress further.” Karakoyun emphasized that he provides training for one hour per week for about 3 months, and explained that they find the child’s open areas for development to prevent them from losing their skills or progress. Drawing attention to the skills they provide to the child during therapy, Karakoyun said, “We provide follow-up by giving home programs to families in order to continue the learning process”.
“We are in cooperation with our families” Karakoyun, emphasizing that special children need support in many areas, noted that sensory integration is just one of these supports. Karakoyun said, “We can only support certain areas of the child. During this process, the child is supported in many areas with special education, speech therapy, and education received outside. We are in cooperation with our families during this process. We follow the child’s developmental stages and try to support their development in all areas.”
“Our child is saved, hopefully all children will be saved” Sultan Alparslan, a mother of 2 children diagnosed with autism, who stated that her children have been receiving education at the center for about a year, mentioned that they had previously attended a special center for 3 years. Alparslan, who expressed that their children were supported with the education here, said, “Everyone from teachers to coordinators provides very good education, approaching our children with great compassion and affection. Thanks to this, we have made great progress. Today is my son’s final lesson. The diagnosis has been removed. It is really incredibly gratifying. Because I applied to every educational institution and searched for solutions for years.” Pointing out the importance of correct education, Alparslan said, “If you find the right education, I can say that all special children will develop. When you collaborate with special educators, you will see that your child has developed enough to participate in social life. Our child is saved, hopefully all children will be saved”.