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.
