What is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration is a neurological process that organizes sensory input from one’s body and the environment, allowing for effective use of the body within the environment. This theory and practice were developed by occupational therapist A. Jean Ayres in the 1960s.
Sensory integration involves the brain’s ability to take in, process, and respond to sensory information from various sources, including:
Visual (sight)
Auditory (hearing)
Tactile (touch)
Olfactory (smell)
Gustatory (taste)
Proprioceptive (body position)
Vestibular (balance and movement)
When functioning properly, sensory integration allows individuals to:
Respond appropriately to sensory stimuli
Regulate attention and activity levels
Develop motor skills and coordination
Enhance learning capabilities
Develop emotional responses and social skills
Sensory integration therapy is often used to help individuals, particularly children, who have difficulty processing sensory information. This can manifest in various ways, such as oversensitivity to certain stimuli, undersensitivity, or seeking out intense sensory experiences.
The therapy typically involves engaging in purposeful, fun activities that challenge the individual’s ability to respond appropriately to sensory input, gradually improving their neural processing of these sensations.
Understanding sensory integration is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals in supporting children’s development and addressing sensory processing difficulties.