What Is Sensory Integration?
We receive and process information from the world around us through our sensory system. Our sensory system goes beyond the basics of taste, sight, touch, smell, and sound. It includes sense of movement and the sense of our body in the space around us. Sensory integration was defined by an occupational therapist in the 1970’s as the “processing and organization of this information that will allow us to participate appropriately in our environment”.
When children have difficulties processing this information, it can impact their comfort and overwhelm them during their daily activities. Children may present with one or more sensory processing difficulties such as low registration, sensory seeking, sensory avoiding or sensory sensitivity.
What Are Some Examples of These Sensory Processing Challenges?
Sensory Avoiding:
Overly respond to their basic senses
Overwhelmed by crowded places, bright lights or loud noises
Resist daily tasks such as brushing hair or teeth or washing their face
Avoid certain movements such as climbing or textures such as in clothing
Refuse to eat certain foods due to look, texture, temperature or taste
Appear anxious in new situations and becomes upset when there are small changes in their environment.
Appear clumsy or fall down often.
Sensory Seeking:
Look to receive movement in their environment through jumping, climbing, spinning etc.
Seek pressure through physical touch by playing rough, hugging, pushing/pulling on others or objects.
Seek different touch sensations such as placing objects in their mouth, rubbing or pinching their skin or others skin
Seek sensory input by singing or humming
Difficulty calming down for seated tasks
High pain tolerance
Sitting close to others when it may not be appropriate
Use a lot of force when interacting with their environment without realizing it
This does not include all sensory processing challenges as our sensory system is vast and individualized.
What Is Sensory Integration Therapy?
Sensory integration therapy is an area of therapy that is typically provided by an occupational therapist with expertise in this area of development. The specially trained therapist will work with the child in therapy to support children in developing the skills they need to regulate their sensory system. It is best to speak with your pediatrician about any concerns you have in regards to how your child is processing sensory information from their environment.
If you have questions regarding sensory integration, please visit our website at www.collaborativecorner.org and reach out to our occupational therapist, aubrey@collaborativecorner.org with any questions, free of charge.
For more information about sensory integration please see:
Parents’ Guide to the 7 Senses
Understanding Sensory Processing Issues
Sensory Processing Issues Fact Sheet
For further reference:
Critz, Catharine et al. Sensory Processing Challenges in Children. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, Volume 11, Issue 7, 710 – 716
Aubrey Kohler, OTR/L, DRS
Occupational Therapist
aubrey@collaborativecorner.org