What is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory IntegrationThe primary way to treat Sensory Processing Disorder is through Sensory Integration Therapy. People with Sensory Processing Disorder commonly have problems with touch, movement and balance, because their body doesn't process sensory information they receive from the environment correctly. This can cause a person to respond in inappropriate ways to their environment.

Sensory Integration Therapy is a type of therapy that is designed to stimulate and challenge all of the senses. Sensory Integration therapy works on increasing a person's ability to tolerate and integrate sensory input. This may also include teaching more appropriate strategies to deal with sensory situations.

Some Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder
  • An unusual sensitivity to sounds and smells.
  • An acute awareness of background noises
  • Regular sound levels feel painful
  • Little awareness of pain or temperature
  • Coordination problems
  • Unusually high or low activity level
  • Extremes of activity level (either hyperactive or under active).
  • Fearful in space (on the swings, seesaw or heights).
  • Striking out at someone who accidentally brushes by them.
  • Avoidance of physical contact with certain "textures," such as sand, paste and finger paints.
  • A strong dislike of certain grooming activities, such as brushing the teeth, washing the face, having the hair brushed or cut.
  • A child may refuse to wear certain clothes or insist on wearing long sleeves/pants so that the skin is not exposed.
  • Very poor fine motor skills, such as handwriting
  • Very poor gross motor skills, such as kicking, catching, or throwing a ball
  • Difficulty imitating movements, such as when playing "Simon Says"
If you suspect your child may have Sensory Processing Disorder it is essential that you have them evaluated by an Occupational Therapist trained in Sensory Processing Disorder. They can evaluate your child and help you to start Sensory Integration Therapy. What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Wilbarger Protocol (Brushing Therapy)
The Vestibular Sense
The Proprioceptive Sense