What is sensory integration?

What is sensory integration?

Sensory integration, or sensory processing, is the way we gather and process information from the world around us through our senses. Sensory integration is not only our sense of sight, smell, taste, touch, or sound but also how our body is oriented in space and moves. Sensory integration consists of eight total systems, but three sensory systems are most negatively affected when someone has sensory processing problems:

Sensory System: This system is responsible for tactile sensations such as detecting pressure. or temperature, through the skin.

Proprioceptive System: This system tells us where we are in space through our muscles and joints.

Vestibular System: This system consists of a complex ear, which is responsible for determining our movement and balance. Sensory Integration Disorder can be different for everyone. For example, people with sensory modulation challenges may under or over-react to sensory input, while people with sensory challenges may have difficulty distinguishing between senses. People with sensory motor problems may have difficulty moving or stabilizing their bodies.

What is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory Integration Therapy, also called Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI), is a therapeutic approach used to improve the symptoms of sensory integration dysfunction. Dr. Developed by A. Jean Ayres in the 1970s, the ASI is itself a combination of sensory integration theory and two types of tools: assessment tools to measure one's sensory integration and therapeutic tools used to improve the symptoms of illness. sensory dysfunction

What happens during sensory integration therapy?

ASI-trained occupational therapists aim to help people improve their sensory symptoms by using a variety of therapeutic tools in a clinical setting to: stimulate the senses through sensory input and encourage fine and gross motor planning challenges. body movements developing new adaptive behaviors and responses. For example, therapeutic tools can be physical, such as trampolines or climbing walls, or mental, such as participation or skill challenges.

Who does sensory integration therapy?

Occupational therapists are doctors who use a variety of therapies to help people complete daily tasks both in and out of the home. Occupational therapists play a huge role in helping people – especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – deal with sensory symptoms. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), some of the people who benefit most from occupational therapy are Infants and toddlers: For infants and toddlers, occupational therapy can improve many aspects of early life, such as playtime, sleep, eating, and communication.

School-age children: For school-age children, occupational therapy can help improve things like routine, self-care, academics, sociability, and concentration. Youth: For youth, occupational therapy can help improve additional skills important to young adults, such as driving, independence, and even relationships.

Adults of all ages: Occupational therapy can improve school, work, leisure, and social skills in adults of all ages, especially those with delayed diagnosis. Sensory integration therapy is delivered by specially trained occupational therapists who help improve immediate sensory symptoms but also manage long-term symptoms.

Who can benefit from sensory integration therapy?

Most research on sensory integration therapy focuses on children with autism, so there is little research on the benefits of sensory integration therapy outside of this population. A 2020 report from the National Classroom on Autism Evidence and Practice noted that ASI is primarily used in children with autism ages 3-11. According to the report, ASI focuses primarily on supporting communication, cognition, and self-development for younger autistic children. It can also be used to help autistic youngsters improve their social, behavioral, and motor skills.

How effective is sensory integration therapy?

Although ASI has been used to treat sensory integration problems for more than 50 years, research remains limited and results are mixed. A recent reliable source review of the literature found that current research on sensory integration therapy is limited. In the review, the researchers mention that most small-scale studies show mixed results, but many systematic reviews also lack conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy. Although some research suggests that using sensory integration therapies can benefit people with sensory issues, we simply don't know enough about its long-term effectiveness.

Summary

Despite the popularity of sensory integration therapy as a treatment option for sensory processing challenges, research remains limited, with only a few studies showing that it can be an effective therapy. However, this does not mean that sensory integration therapy does not help some people manage sensory symptoms. If you are considering sensory integration therapy for yourself or a loved one, the AAP recommends making sure you have a chance to check its effectiveness. So, it means creating specific treatment goals with a trained occupational therapist and monitoring whether the treatment helps achieve those goals. If you are interested in other treatment options for sensory integration challenges outside of sensory integration therapy, consider seeing a pediatrician or occupational therapist for more information.