SENSORY
Step 3: The parent swaps the bowls, and now
the hands will feel the opposite temperature.
Continuing with the example, the left hand is
now in the cool water, and the right hand is now
in the warm water. (Note that the child does not
cross arms, but instead the bowls are swapped.)
Step 4: Repeat swapping bowls and dipping
the hands two more times, for a total of four
hand dips.
This exercise may be assigned, for example, if the ini-
tial assessment shows that it would be good to focus
on improving the function of the corpus callosum,
which is the main communication bridge between
the two halves of the brain. Many complex functions
require speedy interaction between both sides of
the brain, such as speech, sensory processing, and
math. Recent studies have linked issues with the
corpus callosum and autism symptoms. This water
exercise would be combined with another protocol
intended to prepare the brain for growth and repair.
So, with the combination of these exercises, the ideal
results would be improved corpus callosum function
and improvements in the corresponding symptoms.
This is just one example of hundreds of exercises that
may be assigned depending on the results of the as-
sessment.
Powerful results for all ages
So, does it work? This is a very important question to
ask of any approach. Some therapies, diets, or other
approaches seem to work better than others, which
is normal. The good thing about SET is that its effec-
tiveness has been the subject of three studies pub-
lished in peer-reviewed journals. This means that it
is not just supported by research, or “based” on sci-
ence, but is actually the subject of research itself.
Here are the three studies measuring what happens
when children with autism engage in SET:
Study 1: The first study showed a nine-point in-
crease in raw IQ on average. Forty-two percent
of participants improved on the Childhood Au-
tism Rating Scale by five points or more. Six-
ty-nine percent of parents reported that their
children improved. The article published in
the peer-reviewed scientific journal Behavioral
Neuroscience won the D.G. Marquis award for
best neuroscience paper of the year in 2013
from the American Psychological Association.
40 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 72
Study 2: This study replicated the first study,
showing an eight-point increase in IQ, 11-point
improvement in sensory profile, seven-point
increase in receptive language, and five-point
increase in expressive language. What’s more,
21 percent of the children no longer qualified
for the autism diagnosis on the Autism Diag-
nosis Observation Schedule (ADOS), the gold
standard for an autism diagnosis.
Study 3: Results from 1,002 subjects showed
on average a significant improvement in learn-
ing, memory, anxiety, attention span, motor
skills, eating, sleeping, sensory processing,
self-awareness, communication, social skills,
and mood/autism behaviors. It was equally ef-
fective for all ages, including older teens.
The research concludes that SET and its new senso-
ry approach to treating autism is effective for many
children. Of course, the only measure that matters is
if it works with your child.
Free program—just stick with it!
SET is done by the parent at home with the child
and requires taking time every day to incorporate a
new therapy. This is perhaps the “Achilles’ heel” of the
therapy. SET works, but like introducing a new diet
or exercise into your life, it can be hard to stick to.
At the same time, many parents have expressed ap-
preciation for the fact that they get to spend quality
time with their children, and they don’t have to drive
anywhere for the therapy. Parents have also shared
feelings of empowerment to be directly in charge of
their children’s recovery.
The full SET program can be accessed online for free.
This free online version gives families everything
used in the clinical studies, including a thorough
online assessment in the form of a questionnaire, as
well as video instructions for each exercise. For local
support, parents can access over 200 professionals
certified in SET. There is also currently an option to
enroll in a platinum service plan and work directly
with the creator of SET. You will find a wealth of in-
formation online.
Whether you are ready for a new therapy or not, SET
looks like a new sensory approach that is here to stay!
Claudie Pomares is the creator of Sensory Enrichment
Therapy and an executive at Mendability.
Website: www.mendability.com/autism