THE AFFOLTER
APPROACH
ShamimaAkter
Assistant Professor
Department of OccupationalTherapy
Bangladesh Health Professions Institute
CRP, Savar, Bangladesh
PURPOSE
 The Affolter approach, also known as the
Affolter sensory integration approach, is a
therapeutic method developed by Rosemary
White-Hoare and Dr Andreé-Emilie Affolter.
 This approach is used in occupational therapy
and aims to facilitate the sensory-motor and
cognitive development of individuals with
neurological conditions or developmental
challenges, particularly those with sensory
processing disorders.
Sensory
processing
Neuroplasticity Self-Initiated
Movements
Sensory-Enriched
Environment
Individual
Differences
Task-Oriented
Activities
Sensory Handling
Techniques
Therapist as
Facilitator
Incremental
Challenges
Holistic
Approach
KEY
ASSUMPTIONS
1. Sensory Processing: The approach assumes
that sensory processing is a fundamental aspect
of human development and plays a crucial role
in cognitive, motor, and emotional functioning.
Sensory inputs from the environment are
processed by the brain to form a coherent
perception of oneself and the world.
2. Neuroplasticity: The approach assumes that
the brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and
reorganize its neural connections in response to
sensory experiences and learning. This
neuroplasticity is believed to underpin the
potential for sensory integration and functional
improvement.
KEY
ASSUMPTIONS
3. Self-Initiated Movements: The approach
values the importance of self-initiated
movements in promoting sensory-motor
development. Active engagement in
purposeful movements is thought to facilitate
the brain's ability to integrate sensory
information effectively.
4. Sensory-Enriched Environment: The Affolter
approach assumes that creating a sensory-
enriched environment is essential for
promoting sensory exploration and stimulating
sensory integration. A rich sensory
environment can encourage engagement and
active participation in therapeutic activities.
KEY
ASSUMPTIONS
5. Individual Differences: The approach
acknowledges that individuals have unique
sensory processing challenges, motor
abilities, and cognitive strengths and
weaknesses. Therapy is tailored to address
the specific needs and goals of each
individual.
6. Task-Oriented Activities: Meaningful and
purposeful task-oriented activities are
assumed to facilitate functional
improvements and promote the transfer of
skills to daily life.
KEY
ASSUMPTIONS
7. Sensory Handling Techniques: The
Affolter approach assumes that specific
sensory handling techniques can guide
and facilitate movements, promoting
sensory integration and improved motor
skills.
8. Therapist as Facilitator: Therapists
adopting the Affolter approach are seen as
facilitators rather than instructors. They
create a supportive and motivating
environment to encourage the individual's
active participation in therapy.
KEY
ASSUMPTIONS
9. Incremental Challenges: The approach
assumes that gradual progression and
increasing challenges in sensory integration
activities can support the development of
sensory processing abilities.
10. Holistic Approach: The Affolter approach
takes a holistic view of the individual,
considering the interplay between sensory,
motor, cognitive, and emotional aspects of
functioning. Addressing these aspects
collectively is thought to lead to more
comprehensive improvements.
Sensory
Environment
Self-Initiated
Movements
Sensory
Handling
Techniques
Task-
Oriented
Activities
Observation
and
Documentati
on
Environmental
Adaptations
Sensory
Integration
Activities
Gradual
Progression
Individualize
d Approach
KEY
TREATMENT
COMPONENTS
Sensory Environment
Creating a rich and stimulating sensory
environment is a fundamental aspect of the
Affolter approach. The therapist designs the
treatment space to provide a variety of
sensory stimuli, such as tactile, proprioceptive,
vestibular, visual, and auditory inputs. The
individual is encouraged to explore and
interact with the environment actively.
Self-Initiated Movements
The therapist promotes self-initiated
movements to stimulate the brain's sensory-
motor pathways and enhance sensory
integration. The individual is encouraged to
initiate purposeful movements, explore
different body positions, and engage in
activities that challenge their motor skills.
Sensory Handling Techniques
The therapist uses specific sensory handling
techniques to guide and support the
individual's movements. Gentle touch,
movement facilitation, and body positioning
are employed to help the individual organize
and integrate sensory information effectively.
Observation and Documentation
The therapist closely observes the
individual's responses to sensory inputs
and movements during therapy sessions.
Documentation of progress and changes in
sensory integration and functional abilities
is an essential part of the treatment
process.
Environmental Adaptations
The therapist may suggest environmental
adaptations or modifications to support
the individual's sensory integration and
functional performance. These
adaptations may include changes to
lighting, sound, or the arrangement of
objects in the environment.
Sensory Integration Activities
Specific sensory integration activities are incorporated into
the therapy sessions to challenge and enhance the
individual's sensory processing abilities. These activities may
involve swinging, bouncing on therapy balls, using sensory
toys, and engaging in activities that require different sensory
inputs.
Gradual Progression
The Affolter approach emphasizes a
gradual progression of challenges to
support the individual's sensory
integration development. Therapists
carefully adjust the level of complexity
and sensory input based on the person's
responses and progress.
Task-Oriented Activities
Therapy sessions in the Affolter
approach focus on task-oriented
activities that are meaningful and
purposeful to the individual. These
activities are designed to improve
functional abilities and promote
independence in daily life tasks.
Individualized Approach
Like all sensory integration-based
therapies, the Affolter approach is
highly individualized. The treatment
plan is tailored to address the unique
sensory processing challenges, motor
abilities, and cognitive strengths and
weaknesses of each individual.
Sensory
Exploration
Tactile Play
Body
Movement
Games
Body
Positioning
Guided
Movements
Purposeful
Activities
Gradual
Progression
Swinging
Activities

AFFOLTER APPROACH.pptx

  • 1.
    THE AFFOLTER APPROACH ShamimaAkter Assistant Professor Departmentof OccupationalTherapy Bangladesh Health Professions Institute CRP, Savar, Bangladesh
  • 2.
    PURPOSE  The Affolterapproach, also known as the Affolter sensory integration approach, is a therapeutic method developed by Rosemary White-Hoare and Dr Andreé-Emilie Affolter.  This approach is used in occupational therapy and aims to facilitate the sensory-motor and cognitive development of individuals with neurological conditions or developmental challenges, particularly those with sensory processing disorders.
  • 4.
  • 5.
    KEY ASSUMPTIONS 1. Sensory Processing:The approach assumes that sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of human development and plays a crucial role in cognitive, motor, and emotional functioning. Sensory inputs from the environment are processed by the brain to form a coherent perception of oneself and the world. 2. Neuroplasticity: The approach assumes that the brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize its neural connections in response to sensory experiences and learning. This neuroplasticity is believed to underpin the potential for sensory integration and functional improvement.
  • 6.
    KEY ASSUMPTIONS 3. Self-Initiated Movements:The approach values the importance of self-initiated movements in promoting sensory-motor development. Active engagement in purposeful movements is thought to facilitate the brain's ability to integrate sensory information effectively. 4. Sensory-Enriched Environment: The Affolter approach assumes that creating a sensory- enriched environment is essential for promoting sensory exploration and stimulating sensory integration. A rich sensory environment can encourage engagement and active participation in therapeutic activities.
  • 7.
    KEY ASSUMPTIONS 5. Individual Differences:The approach acknowledges that individuals have unique sensory processing challenges, motor abilities, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Therapy is tailored to address the specific needs and goals of each individual. 6. Task-Oriented Activities: Meaningful and purposeful task-oriented activities are assumed to facilitate functional improvements and promote the transfer of skills to daily life.
  • 8.
    KEY ASSUMPTIONS 7. Sensory HandlingTechniques: The Affolter approach assumes that specific sensory handling techniques can guide and facilitate movements, promoting sensory integration and improved motor skills. 8. Therapist as Facilitator: Therapists adopting the Affolter approach are seen as facilitators rather than instructors. They create a supportive and motivating environment to encourage the individual's active participation in therapy.
  • 9.
    KEY ASSUMPTIONS 9. Incremental Challenges:The approach assumes that gradual progression and increasing challenges in sensory integration activities can support the development of sensory processing abilities. 10. Holistic Approach: The Affolter approach takes a holistic view of the individual, considering the interplay between sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional aspects of functioning. Addressing these aspects collectively is thought to lead to more comprehensive improvements.
  • 11.
  • 12.
    KEY TREATMENT COMPONENTS Sensory Environment Creating arich and stimulating sensory environment is a fundamental aspect of the Affolter approach. The therapist designs the treatment space to provide a variety of sensory stimuli, such as tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, visual, and auditory inputs. The individual is encouraged to explore and interact with the environment actively. Self-Initiated Movements The therapist promotes self-initiated movements to stimulate the brain's sensory- motor pathways and enhance sensory integration. The individual is encouraged to initiate purposeful movements, explore different body positions, and engage in activities that challenge their motor skills. Sensory Handling Techniques The therapist uses specific sensory handling techniques to guide and support the individual's movements. Gentle touch, movement facilitation, and body positioning are employed to help the individual organize and integrate sensory information effectively.
  • 13.
    Observation and Documentation Thetherapist closely observes the individual's responses to sensory inputs and movements during therapy sessions. Documentation of progress and changes in sensory integration and functional abilities is an essential part of the treatment process. Environmental Adaptations The therapist may suggest environmental adaptations or modifications to support the individual's sensory integration and functional performance. These adaptations may include changes to lighting, sound, or the arrangement of objects in the environment. Sensory Integration Activities Specific sensory integration activities are incorporated into the therapy sessions to challenge and enhance the individual's sensory processing abilities. These activities may involve swinging, bouncing on therapy balls, using sensory toys, and engaging in activities that require different sensory inputs.
  • 14.
    Gradual Progression The Affolterapproach emphasizes a gradual progression of challenges to support the individual's sensory integration development. Therapists carefully adjust the level of complexity and sensory input based on the person's responses and progress. Task-Oriented Activities Therapy sessions in the Affolter approach focus on task-oriented activities that are meaningful and purposeful to the individual. These activities are designed to improve functional abilities and promote independence in daily life tasks. Individualized Approach Like all sensory integration-based therapies, the Affolter approach is highly individualized. The treatment plan is tailored to address the unique sensory processing challenges, motor abilities, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses of each individual.
  • 15.

Editor's Notes

  • #5 1. Sensory Processing: The approach assumes that sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of human development and plays a crucial role in cognitive, motor, and emotional functioning. Sensory inputs from the environment are processed by the brain to form a coherent perception of oneself and the world. 2. Neuroplasticity: The Affolter approach assumes that the brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize its neural connections in response to sensory experiences and learning. This neuroplasticity is believed to underpin the potential for sensory integration and functional improvement. 3. Self-Initiated Movements: The approach values the importance of self-initiated movements in promoting sensory-motor development. Active engagement in purposeful movements is thought to facilitate the brain's ability to integrate sensory information effectively. 4. Sensory-Enriched Environment: The Affolter approach assumes that creating a sensory-enriched environment is essential for promoting sensory exploration and stimulating sensory integration. A rich sensory environment can encourage engagement and active participation in therapeutic activities. 5. Individual Differences: The approach acknowledges that individuals have unique sensory processing challenges, motor abilities, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Therapy is tailored to address the specific needs and goals of each individual. 6. Task-Oriented Activities: Meaningful and purposeful task-oriented activities are assumed to facilitate functional improvements and promote the transfer of skills to daily life. 7. Sensory Handling Techniques: The Affolter approach assumes that specific sensory handling techniques can guide and facilitate movements, promoting sensory integration and improved motor skills.   8. Therapist as Facilitator: Therapists adopting the Affolter approach are seen as facilitators rather than instructors. They create a supportive and motivating environment to encourage the individual's active participation in therapy. 9. Incremental Challenges: The approach assumes that gradual progression and increasing challenges in sensory integration activities can support the development of sensory processing abilities. 10. Holistic Approach: The Affolter approach takes a holistic view of the individual, considering the interplay between sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional aspects of functioning. Addressing these aspects collectively is thought to lead to more comprehensive improvements.
  • #6 1. Sensory Processing: The approach assumes that sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of human development and plays a crucial role in cognitive, motor, and emotional functioning. Sensory inputs from the environment are processed by the brain to form a coherent perception of oneself and the world. 2. Neuroplasticity: The Affolter approach assumes that the brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize its neural connections in response to sensory experiences and learning. This neuroplasticity is believed to underpin the potential for sensory integration and functional improvement. 3. Self-Initiated Movements: The approach values the importance of self-initiated movements in promoting sensory-motor development. Active engagement in purposeful movements is thought to facilitate the brain's ability to integrate sensory information effectively. 4. Sensory-Enriched Environment: The Affolter approach assumes that creating a sensory-enriched environment is essential for promoting sensory exploration and stimulating sensory integration. A rich sensory environment can encourage engagement and active participation in therapeutic activities. 5. Individual Differences: The approach acknowledges that individuals have unique sensory processing challenges, motor abilities, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Therapy is tailored to address the specific needs and goals of each individual. 6. Task-Oriented Activities: Meaningful and purposeful task-oriented activities are assumed to facilitate functional improvements and promote the transfer of skills to daily life. 7. Sensory Handling Techniques: The Affolter approach assumes that specific sensory handling techniques can guide and facilitate movements, promoting sensory integration and improved motor skills.   8. Therapist as Facilitator: Therapists adopting the Affolter approach are seen as facilitators rather than instructors. They create a supportive and motivating environment to encourage the individual's active participation in therapy. 9. Incremental Challenges: The approach assumes that gradual progression and increasing challenges in sensory integration activities can support the development of sensory processing abilities. 10. Holistic Approach: The Affolter approach takes a holistic view of the individual, considering the interplay between sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional aspects of functioning. Addressing these aspects collectively is thought to lead to more comprehensive improvements.
  • #7 1. Sensory Processing: The approach assumes that sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of human development and plays a crucial role in cognitive, motor, and emotional functioning. Sensory inputs from the environment are processed by the brain to form a coherent perception of oneself and the world. 2. Neuroplasticity: The Affolter approach assumes that the brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize its neural connections in response to sensory experiences and learning. This neuroplasticity is believed to underpin the potential for sensory integration and functional improvement. 3. Self-Initiated Movements: The approach values the importance of self-initiated movements in promoting sensory-motor development. Active engagement in purposeful movements is thought to facilitate the brain's ability to integrate sensory information effectively. 4. Sensory-Enriched Environment: The Affolter approach assumes that creating a sensory-enriched environment is essential for promoting sensory exploration and stimulating sensory integration. A rich sensory environment can encourage engagement and active participation in therapeutic activities. 5. Individual Differences: The approach acknowledges that individuals have unique sensory processing challenges, motor abilities, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Therapy is tailored to address the specific needs and goals of each individual. 6. Task-Oriented Activities: Meaningful and purposeful task-oriented activities are assumed to facilitate functional improvements and promote the transfer of skills to daily life. 7. Sensory Handling Techniques: The Affolter approach assumes that specific sensory handling techniques can guide and facilitate movements, promoting sensory integration and improved motor skills.   8. Therapist as Facilitator: Therapists adopting the Affolter approach are seen as facilitators rather than instructors. They create a supportive and motivating environment to encourage the individual's active participation in therapy. 9. Incremental Challenges: The approach assumes that gradual progression and increasing challenges in sensory integration activities can support the development of sensory processing abilities. 10. Holistic Approach: The Affolter approach takes a holistic view of the individual, considering the interplay between sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional aspects of functioning. Addressing these aspects collectively is thought to lead to more comprehensive improvements.
  • #8 1. Sensory Processing: The approach assumes that sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of human development and plays a crucial role in cognitive, motor, and emotional functioning. Sensory inputs from the environment are processed by the brain to form a coherent perception of oneself and the world. 2. Neuroplasticity: The Affolter approach assumes that the brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize its neural connections in response to sensory experiences and learning. This neuroplasticity is believed to underpin the potential for sensory integration and functional improvement. 3. Self-Initiated Movements: The approach values the importance of self-initiated movements in promoting sensory-motor development. Active engagement in purposeful movements is thought to facilitate the brain's ability to integrate sensory information effectively. 4. Sensory-Enriched Environment: The Affolter approach assumes that creating a sensory-enriched environment is essential for promoting sensory exploration and stimulating sensory integration. A rich sensory environment can encourage engagement and active participation in therapeutic activities. 5. Individual Differences: The approach acknowledges that individuals have unique sensory processing challenges, motor abilities, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Therapy is tailored to address the specific needs and goals of each individual. 6. Task-Oriented Activities: Meaningful and purposeful task-oriented activities are assumed to facilitate functional improvements and promote the transfer of skills to daily life. 7. Sensory Handling Techniques: The Affolter approach assumes that specific sensory handling techniques can guide and facilitate movements, promoting sensory integration and improved motor skills.   8. Therapist as Facilitator: Therapists adopting the Affolter approach are seen as facilitators rather than instructors. They create a supportive and motivating environment to encourage the individual's active participation in therapy. 9. Incremental Challenges: The approach assumes that gradual progression and increasing challenges in sensory integration activities can support the development of sensory processing abilities. 10. Holistic Approach: The Affolter approach takes a holistic view of the individual, considering the interplay between sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional aspects of functioning. Addressing these aspects collectively is thought to lead to more comprehensive improvements.
  • #9 1. Sensory Processing: The approach assumes that sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of human development and plays a crucial role in cognitive, motor, and emotional functioning. Sensory inputs from the environment are processed by the brain to form a coherent perception of oneself and the world. 2. Neuroplasticity: The Affolter approach assumes that the brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize its neural connections in response to sensory experiences and learning. This neuroplasticity is believed to underpin the potential for sensory integration and functional improvement. 3. Self-Initiated Movements: The approach values the importance of self-initiated movements in promoting sensory-motor development. Active engagement in purposeful movements is thought to facilitate the brain's ability to integrate sensory information effectively. 4. Sensory-Enriched Environment: The Affolter approach assumes that creating a sensory-enriched environment is essential for promoting sensory exploration and stimulating sensory integration. A rich sensory environment can encourage engagement and active participation in therapeutic activities. 5. Individual Differences: The approach acknowledges that individuals have unique sensory processing challenges, motor abilities, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Therapy is tailored to address the specific needs and goals of each individual. 6. Task-Oriented Activities: Meaningful and purposeful task-oriented activities are assumed to facilitate functional improvements and promote the transfer of skills to daily life. 7. Sensory Handling Techniques: The Affolter approach assumes that specific sensory handling techniques can guide and facilitate movements, promoting sensory integration and improved motor skills.   8. Therapist as Facilitator: Therapists adopting the Affolter approach are seen as facilitators rather than instructors. They create a supportive and motivating environment to encourage the individual's active participation in therapy. 9. Incremental Challenges: The approach assumes that gradual progression and increasing challenges in sensory integration activities can support the development of sensory processing abilities. 10. Holistic Approach: The Affolter approach takes a holistic view of the individual, considering the interplay between sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional aspects of functioning. Addressing these aspects collectively is thought to lead to more comprehensive improvements.
  • #10 1. Sensory Processing: The approach assumes that sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of human development and plays a crucial role in cognitive, motor, and emotional functioning. Sensory inputs from the environment are processed by the brain to form a coherent perception of oneself and the world. 2. Neuroplasticity: The Affolter approach assumes that the brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize its neural connections in response to sensory experiences and learning. This neuroplasticity is believed to underpin the potential for sensory integration and functional improvement. 3. Self-Initiated Movements: The approach values the importance of self-initiated movements in promoting sensory-motor development. Active engagement in purposeful movements is thought to facilitate the brain's ability to integrate sensory information effectively. 4. Sensory-Enriched Environment: The Affolter approach assumes that creating a sensory-enriched environment is essential for promoting sensory exploration and stimulating sensory integration. A rich sensory environment can encourage engagement and active participation in therapeutic activities. 5. Individual Differences: The approach acknowledges that individuals have unique sensory processing challenges, motor abilities, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Therapy is tailored to address the specific needs and goals of each individual. 6. Task-Oriented Activities: Meaningful and purposeful task-oriented activities are assumed to facilitate functional improvements and promote the transfer of skills to daily life. 7. Sensory Handling Techniques: The Affolter approach assumes that specific sensory handling techniques can guide and facilitate movements, promoting sensory integration and improved motor skills.   8. Therapist as Facilitator: Therapists adopting the Affolter approach are seen as facilitators rather than instructors. They create a supportive and motivating environment to encourage the individual's active participation in therapy. 9. Incremental Challenges: The approach assumes that gradual progression and increasing challenges in sensory integration activities can support the development of sensory processing abilities. 10. Holistic Approach: The Affolter approach takes a holistic view of the individual, considering the interplay between sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional aspects of functioning. Addressing these aspects collectively is thought to lead to more comprehensive improvements.