Sensory Integration
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. She defined SI as the body’s capacity to organize sensory input, information and stimulation a person receives from his/her own body and the environment through the different sensory systems:
- tactile (touch)
- proprioceptive (joint and muscle impulses)
- vestibular (movement, visual, auditory)
- Vision
- hearing and listening/auditory
This sensory information is then processed by the central nervous system and used to help our body develop spatial awareness, muscle tone, postural stability and self-regulation. SI gives us the awareness of our body and the ability to use it as a tool to interact with others in our world.
For those with Sensory Integration Dysfunction, the brain is not processing organizing the flow of sensory impulses properly. This can impact on a person’s functional, developmental and learning processes.
Signs of Sensory Integration Dysfunction include:
- Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights or sounds
- Easily distracted
- 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
A Typical SI/OT Session
Providing the right kinds of sensory stimulation helps normalization of the sensory systems – tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, auditory, and visual – to provide the optimal state of alertness and attention. In addition, it helps to develop an adaptive response for daily functioning.
A typical session includes:
- tactile and proprioceptive input using a technique such as ‘brushing’ & deep pressure stimulation
- vibratory input
- movement play (i.e. swings, balance beam, rock wall climbing, scooters, obstacle courses) for body awareness
- postural activities designed to increase strength, postural control, stability, coordination and motor planning
- visual motor/perceptual activities (puzzles, manipulatives, three-dimensional block designs, figure-ground activities, etc.)
- oral motor activities (blow toys, whistles, etc.) fine motor activities (Handwriting Without Tears)
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 Texts (SIPT) for children between the ages of 4 to 8 years, 11 months; other tests include the Test of Sensory Integration (3-5 years), Bruininks Osteretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (5-15 years), and the PEERAMID (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 included in this comprehensive report.
Screenings
Clients may choose a screening if they have had a previous and adequate evaluation and are looking to begin the therapeutic process, to make sure our approach fits yours, to get an overview and general verbal feedback when a full evaluation is not required. 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.
Service Policy
Totaly Sense-Sational, LLC does not participate with any insurance providers (HMOs, IBC, Personal Choice, CIgna, Aetna, etc.) or with Medicare or Access cards. Most insurance companies and HMO plans have an “out-of-network” or “point of service” coverage that will reimburse some portion of the costs of your medical care. Most insurance companies have an “approved amount” for the clinical services and have deductibles. Some companies also deduct a “co-pay”. The reimbursement from your insurance company depends on those variables and they vary from insurance to insurance even within the same company. You should call your carrier to confirm your coverage.
