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What Is Sensory Integration?

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Summary

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(SI) is a part of development that helps regulate sensory input and perception of spatial orientation. It’s also known as sensory processing. 

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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What are the signs of sensory processing difficulties?

Signs of sensory processing difficulties can include hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input, difficulty with attention or emotional regulation, and challenges with fine or gross motor skills.

What is sensory integration therapy?

Sensory integration therapy is a type of treatment that uses specific sensory activities to help individuals with sensory processing difficulties better integrate and process sensory information.

Who can benefit from sensory integration therapy?

Sensory integration therapy can benefit individuals of all ages who have difficulties processing sensory information, including those with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other developmental or neurological conditions.

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Scientific Definition

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Sensory integration is the way our brains use information from our senses (like sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) to understand the world around us. Our brains take in and organize all this information and use it to help us interact with our environment. For example, suppose you see a ball coming toward you. In that case, your brain quickly processes the visual information and tells your body how to react – maybe you reach out to catch the ball or step back to avoid it. If you’re listening to music, your brain takes in the sounds and helps you appreciate the rhythm, melody, and lyrics. Sometimes, a person’s brain has trouble organizing sensory information, making it harder to interact with the world around them. This is known as sensory processing disorder (SPD) and can cause problems with things like learning, behavior, and communication. Sensory integration therapy can help people with SPD learn to process sensory information more effectively.

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How Would You Apply Sensory Integration When Working with a Child?

Meet Susie, a curious and imaginative child who loves exploring the world around her. Susie’s adventure in the park vividly demonstrates the concept of sensory integration in action:

  • Visual Perception: As Susie walks through the park, she takes in the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, the lush green trees, and the bright blue sky, which her brain integrates into a beautiful scene.
  • Auditory Integration: Susie hears the delightful chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and the distant laughter of children playing, as her brain seamlessly blends these sounds into a harmonious symphony.
  • Tactile Sensations: Susie feels the cool breeze on her skin, the softness of the grass beneath her feet, and the gentle touch of a butterfly landing on her hand, all of which her brain combines to create a rich tactile experience.
  • Motor Coordination: Susie climbs the playground structure, using her sensory integration skills to balance her body, judge distances accurately, and coordinate her movements.
  • Multisensory Experience: Susie’s brain merges all the sensory inputs together, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the park’s beauty, capturing the sights, sounds, and sensations in a holistic experience.

Through Susie’s adventure, we see how sensory integration helps her understand and enjoy the world around her, making her playtime at the park a delightful and enriching experience.

How Is Sensory Integration Used in Real Life?

Sensory integration refers to the process by which the brain organizes and makes sense of sensory information from the environment. It allows us to effectively respond to and interact with our surroundings.

  1. Sensory Input: Our senses constantly receive information from the environment, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
  2. Sensory Processing: The brain processes and integrates these sensory inputs, combining them with stored knowledge and previous experiences.
  3. Sensory Integration: Through sensory integration, the brain forms a cohesive and meaningful understanding of the environment by sorting and prioritizing the sensory information.
  4. Sensory Modulation: Sensory integration helps regulate and modulate the intensity, frequency, and duration of sensory input, allowing us to filter out irrelevant information and focus on relevant cues.
  5. Multisensory Integration: The brain integrates information from different senses to create a comprehensive perception. For example, combining visual and auditory cues to understand spoken language.
  6. Sensory Discrimination: Sensory integration enables us to distinguish and differentiate between various sensory stimuli, such as identifying different textures by touch or recognizing different pitches by hearing.
  7. Motor Planning and Execution: Sensory integration plays a crucial role in motor skills development, as it allows for the coordination of sensory information with motor responses, enabling precise movements and actions.

Sensory integration is a complex process that enables us to make sense of our environment, regulate sensory input, and execute appropriate motor responses. By understanding how sensory integration works, we can gain insights into how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 15, 2023. It was updated on Jan. 22, 2024.

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