Sensory Integration

What Is Sensory Integration?

There are seven senses that form the foundation of sensory integration: visual, auditory, touch, smell, taste, vestibular (pull of gravity) and proprioception (body awareness and movement). These senses give us information about both our external environment and our internal environment. Our brain uses this information to form a composite picture of who we are physically, where we are, and what is going on around us. Sensory integration is the critical function of the brain that is responsible for producing this composite picture. Sensory integration is the foundation that allows for complex learning and behavior.

Within the occupational therapy world, the discipline of sensory integration was born in the research and practice of A. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist with advanced training in neuroscience and educational psychology. She was interested in the relationship between children’s sensory systems, the processing of sensation, learning and motor difficulties. She popularized the term sensory integration, meaning:

“The neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment.” (Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders, 1972)

Jean Ayres continued to develop her ideas and practice relating to sensory integration up until her death in 1988. She developed the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (SCSIT) as a means to assess the components of sensory integration and guide treatment. She developed theories about typical patterns of disability based on factor analyses from her testing and from observations of children. From these theories she developed methods of treatment for specific patterns of disability using “enhanced sensory experiences.” Over time, the therapy itself became known as sensory integration.

The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) (SCSIT re-standardized) is known as the “gold standard,” most thorough and well-researched means for assessing sensory integration skills and deficits. Becoming certified in the use of this assessment is an extensive process. ITS is proud to include therapists who are SIPT-certified.  ITS therapists are also experienced and well trained in the treatment of sensory integration disorders.

Which children would benefit from sensory integration and/or occupational therapy?

Some signs & symptoms of a possible motor or sensory challenge:

• Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights or sounds
• Under-reactive to sensory stimulation
• Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
• Coordination problems
• Delays in speech, language, motor skills or academic achievement
• Poor organization of behavior
• Poor self-concept, low self-esteem
• Clumsiness, awkwardness of movement
• Difficulty with writing, self-feeding, self-dressing (buttons, zippers, snaps), use of utensils, and other hand skills
• Trouble chewing, sucking, blowing, and/or making certain speech sounds

Does your child exhibit…

• Oversensitivity or undersensitivity to touch, taste, smell or sight?

For example: your child avoids touching, refuses to wear certain clothing, is a picky eater, covers his/her ears or eyes, or conversely, craves sensations like grabbing others, prefers hot bath water and spicy foods, and seem oblivious to sensory cues.

• Oversensitivity or undersensitivity to movement sensation? For example: your child seeks out movement like swinging, twirling, jumping, or avoids active games.
• Unusually high or low activity level? For example: your child may be constantly on the go, wearing out everyone around him/her or moves slowly and tires easily, showing little interest in the world.
• Problems with motor coordination? For example: he/she may be awkward, seemingly careless, or accident-prone.

Other signs to look for:

• Social and emotional problems
• Inability to unwind or calm self
• Difficulty with transitions between situations
• Easily distracted
• Impulsive, lacking in self-control

If after reviewing the signs and symptoms mentioned, you suspect your child may have a sensory integrative disorder, an evaluation can be conducted at our center by ITS. Evaluations usually consist of both standardized testing and structured observation of responses to sensory stimulation, posture, balance, coordination, and eye movements.