What is sensory integration therapy? This question pops up a lot for parents, especially those of us raising highly sensitive kids. Maybe your little one freaks out over scratchy clothing tags or seems glued to the swing set. This is where sensory integration therapy comes into play.
We rely on our senses to understand and respond to the world, but this processing can be tricky for some kids. In a nutshell, sensory integration therapy, often called Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI), aims to help individuals process sensory information more effectively. Think of it as fine-tuning your child’s internal sensory system. Let’s take a closer look and see how it works.
Pioneered by occupational therapist Dr. A. Jean Ayres in the 1970s, ASI arose from an insightful observation: some children struggle to process sensory input. This, in turn, affects their behavior, emotions, and ability to learn. These struggles led to the concept of sensory integration therapy as a way to address those specific challenges.
This therapy is meant to address sensory challenges for a wide array of disorders, like sensory processing sensitivity, also known as high sensitivity. Highly sensitive kids, often more in tune with sensory nuances, can significantly benefit from sensory integration therapy. Whether it’s an aversion to loud noises, a fascination with spinning, or picky eating habits, these could be signs your child struggles with sensory processing. Occupational therapy can help with sensory modulation.
Typically led by a trained occupational therapist, the therapy sessions involve fun, engaging, and sensory-rich activities. These activities are tailored to the child’s specific needs. Occupational therapy, in this context, goes beyond addressing sensory input. It extends to improving motor skills, social interaction, and emotional regulation in various aspects of a child’s life, as highlighted by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Picture this: your child navigating a colorful obstacle course, playing with textured toys, swinging, or engaging in activities that stimulate different senses. The therapist carefully curates these experiences, ensuring a safe and controlled environment. This allows the child to learn, adapt, and respond appropriately to various sensory inputs.
You might be wondering, what is sensory integration therapy like in a real-life setting? Let me paint a clearer picture with these examples.
Imagine a child who refuses to wear anything with tags, those tiny fabric squares that send shivers down their spine. An occupational therapist might introduce tactile play, encouraging the child to engage with different textures gradually.
They might start with something soft and comforting, slowly introducing slightly rougher textures over time. This play-based approach helps the child desensitize to touch, turning those once-feared tags into something manageable, even if not totally loved.
Now, picture a kiddo seemingly inseparable from swings, perpetually seeking that dizzying movement. The constant spinning and swinging isn’t just about fun. This could be a way to fulfill a sensory need, often the vestibular system. This system is responsible for balance and spatial orientation, as described by the eight sensory systems.
An occupational therapist may incorporate targeted swinging activities with a therapeutic twist. This helps the child regulate their sensory seeking while improving their body awareness. The child will also be improving their coordination in the process.
Knowing what sensory integration therapy is empowers us parents to better understand our children. By recognizing those meltdowns as something beyond mere “bad behavior,” we respond with empathy and patience instead of frustration.
It provides us with practical tools and strategies to create a sensory-friendly home environment. We can even start incorporating sensory breaks into their routine based on what their therapist recommends. Understanding how their little sensory systems work helps us create a more harmonious and supportive home environment.
Typically, a trained occupational therapist works with your child in a sensory-rich environment. The activities vary depending on your child’s individual needs, often focusing on fun, engaging activities. These could be anything from swinging and jumping on a trampoline, to playing with different textured play doughs. These activities engage multiple senses and help rewire those neurological pathways.
Sensory integration therapy’s primary goal is to help individuals process and respond to sensory information better. This leads to improvements in their behavior, development, and ability to engage with the world confidently and comfortably. Think improved motor skills, social interactions, and a greater sense of self-regulation in different situations.
An excellent example is working with a child who hates loud noises. A therapist might create a play-based scenario in a controlled environment. They might use a drum and slowly introduce the sounds, showing the child that they can control the volume. They would also show the child that the experience isn’t something to fear.
So, what is sensory integration therapy? It can be a wonderful tool to help your child thrive by addressing the challenges they face with processing sensory input. By working with a trained therapist, your child can learn to feel more comfortable in their world, gaining confidence, focus, and emotional balance along the way. Many parents see meaningful changes over time, whether it’s their child enjoying new activities, feeling calmer in everyday situations, or connecting more easily with others.
Your support at home is just as important—reinforcing strategies and celebrating even the smallest victories can make a big difference. Remember, progress may look different for every child, but each step forward is a step toward a more joyful, balanced life for your child and your family. You’re not on this journey alone, and with the right tools and guidance, your child can achieve incredible growth.
What is Sensory Integration Therapy? Your Guide to ASI
Jill Gilbert
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