Sensory Regulation & Activities

What is Sensory Integration Therapy? Your Guide to ASI

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Understanding sensory integration therapy gives us, as parents, the knowledge to better support our children. Instead of seeing meltdowns as mere “bad behavior,” we recognize them as a response to sensory overload, allowing us to approach them with empathy and patience. With this insight, we can create a sensory-friendly home, incorporate sensory breaks, and follow strategies recommended by therapists to foster a more supportive environment.

But what exactly is sensory integration therapy? This question often arises, especially for parents of highly sensitive kids—those who struggle with scratchy clothing tags or seek endless movement on the swing set. Sensory integration therapy, often called Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI), is a type of occupational therapy that helps children process sensory information more effectively, fine-tuning their internal sensory system. Let’s explore how it works and why it can be a game-changer for our little ones.

What is sensory integration therapy?

Understanding Sensory Integration and Its History

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.

How It Relates to Highly Sensitive Children

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.

Here’s how Sensory Integration Therapy works

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 goes beyond addressing sensory input. It also improves motor skills, social interaction, and emotional regulation in various aspects of a child’s life.

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.

Examples of Sensory Integration Therapy In Action

You might be wondering, what is sensory integration therapy like in a real-life setting? Let me paint a clearer picture with these examples.

Scenario 1: The Tag-Hating Toddler

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.

Scenario 2: The Swing-set Enthusiast

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.

FAQs about What is sensory integration therapy? 

What happens in sensory integration therapy?

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.

What are the goals of sensory integration therapy?

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.

What is an example of sensory integration therapy?

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.

Conclusion

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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