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What is Sensory Integration? (Occupational Therapy)
The theory of Sensory Integration (SI) was developed in the 1960s by
Dr. A. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist who was a pioneer in the field of learning disabilities. SI is the individual's
capacity to organize information obtained by the senses in order to understand one's own body and how to interact in the
environment:
- tactile (touch)
- proprioceptive (joint and muscle impulses)
- vestibular (movement, visual,
auditory)
- vision
- hearing and listening/auditory
The information taken in by the senses is then processed
by the central nervous system and used to help the body develop spatial awareness, adequate muscle tone, and maintain
a calm and alert state. SI gives the awareness of the body and the ability to use it as a tool to interact with
others in the world.
Sensory Integration Dysfunction affects the brain's ability to perceive and/or
understand the sensory impulses. Without this understanding an individual can not complete a task succesfully and
gain proficiency with new skills. This can result in developmental delays.
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Evaluations:
A complete evaluation takes 3-4 hours and consists of a variety of assessment
tools that measure key issues, including sensory processing, postural skills/strength, and motor planning. The most common
standardized test used is the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) for children between the ages of 4 to 8 years, 11
months; other tests include the Test of Sensory Integration for children between the ages 3 to 5 years (TSI), Bruininks Osteretsky
Test of Motor Proficiency for ages 5-15 years, and the PEERAMID for ages 6-14 years.
An evaluation includes a formal
report with assessment scores, a sensory motor history and clinical observations. Recommendations and long term goals and
objectives are also provided in this comprehensive report.
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Signs of Sensory Integration Dysfunction include:
- Overly sensitive to touch,
movement, sights or sounds
- Distractibility
- Decreased awareness of
surroundings
- Activity level that is unusually high
or unusually low
- Impulsive, lacking in self-control
-
Inability to unwind or calm self
- Poor self-concept
- Social and/or emotional
problems
- Physical clumsiness or apparent
carelessness
- Difficulty making transitions from
one situation to another
- Delays in speech, language, or
motor skills
- Delays in academic achievement
- Slow reaction
to touch,
movements, sights, or sounds
What is A Typical Session?
A typical therapy session will provide sensory experiences that help to normalize
an individual's sensory perceptions in order to help them achieve and sustain an optimal state of alertness and attention.
In addition, it helps to develop skills for daily functioning. This includes:
- tactile input using a technique such as
'brushing' and deep pressure
stimulation
- vibratory input
- movement play (i.e. swings,
balance
beam, rock wall climbing) for body
awareness
- postural strengthening activities
designed to increase postural
control, stability, coordination and
motor planning
- visual motor/perceptual activities
- oral
motor activities (i.e. blow toys,
whistles, etc.)
- fine motor activities
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Screenings:
A screening is 2 hours and includes clinical observations of developmental and sensory-motor based issues. This is an overview
and not meant to be a comprehensive evaluation.
Clients may choose a screening if they have had a previous and adequate evaluation and are looking to begin in a therapeutic
process, to make sure our approach fits yours, to get an overview and general feedbck when a full evaluation is not required.
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