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