Tag Archives: sensory

Sensory Processing and Integration

Children with sensory processing issues aren’t just having behaviors or being difficult. Sensory processing is the way our bodies receive information from the senses and process it into appropriate responses. Individuals who have sensory processing issues are not able to process sensory information the way that others can which will disrupt functional activities throughout their day. Difficulty processing sensory information may be found in children who have sensory processing disorder, autism, attention deficit disorders such as ADD or ADHD, anxiety, and developmental disorders. They may have different, or inappropriate, responses to touch, taste, sight, smell and sound. Sensory processing challenges are different for each child. They may seek sensory opportunities or avoid them, which results in being over responsive or under responsive to senses.

Common Myths

  • All children with sensory processing issues have autism
  • You must be diagnosed with sensory processing disorder to experience sensory processing issues
  • The child doesn’t have sensory processing issues, they are overreacting and being defiant
  • Children with sensory processing issues are overly sensitive to everything
  • Sensory integration therapy can be done by an untrained individual

Is there anything that can help?

Sensory integration (SI) is a form of therapy created by Jean Ayres that’s used to guide treatment to individuals with sensory processing disorder (SPD). Sensory integration is a structured process that helps regulate the senses and is aimed to promote a more appropriate response. Sensory integration cannot simply be done just by anyone, it is only effective when performed by a trained professional, such as an occupational therapist. An assessment is completed to determine sensory processing abilities and how their functional activities are affected. Appropriate SI strategies are then chosen to help regulate their sensory systems.

Benefits of Therapy

  • Helps the brain process sensory information
  • Promotes their ability to regulate emotions and feelings
  • Increases social skills, play skills, fine motor skills and gross motor skills
  • Improves their performance in functional activities

How to Start Therapy

Contact your child’s pediatrician for information and referrals to local therapy clinics that offer appropriate services. Your child’s school can also provide resources and assess if your child would qualify for services in school.

References

May-Benson, T. A., & Koomar, J. A. (2010). Systematic review of the research evidence examining the effectiveness of interventions using a sensory integrative approach for children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64, 403– 414. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2010.09071

Pfeiffer, B. A., Koenig, K., Kinnealey, M., Sheppard, M., & Henderson, L. (2011). Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Interventions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study. The American journal of occupational therapy: official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 65(1), 76–85. doi:10.5014/ajot.2011.09205

Watling, R., & Baltazar Mori, A. (2017). Ayres sensory integration. Retrieved October 17, 2019, from https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Secure/Practice/Children/FAQAyres.pdf.

Zimmer, M., & Desch, L. (2012, June 1). Sensory integration therapies for children with developmental and behavioral disorders. Retrieved October 18, 2019, from https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/6/1186.