It seems like there are millions of different therapies out there today, and some of them sound totally crazy or confusing! Well, we’re here to tell you about one of those therapies, and how awesome and beneficial it can be for your kiddo!

Sensory Integration: What’s That?

Sensory Integration is the ability to take in information through the senses of touch, movement, smell, taste, vision, hearing, and to combine the resulting perceptions with prior information, memories, and knowledge already stored in the brain. This heavily relies on the functions of processing and recollection to make connections.

This skill, like any skill, can be impaired or in need of practice. So, what do you do if your little one needs some help with Sensory Integration, or would benefit from practicing these kind of skills? That’s where Occupational Therapy (OT) comes in!

Sensory Integration Therapy: Here’s How it Works!

Sensory Integration Therapy is usually performed by Occupational Therapists, or OTs for short. They assess developmental levels and determine whether sensory-motor processing is impaired.

Sensory Integration Therapy looks like play, because play is the child’s way of learning and developing. Activities are carefully chosen to stimulate development in deficient areas. Children with lower sensitivity (hyposensitivity) may be exposed to strong sensations such as stroking with a brush, vibrations or rubbing. Play may involve a range of materials to stimulate the senses such as play dough or finger painting. Children with heightened sensitivity (hypersensitivity) may be exposed to peaceful activities including quiet music and gentle rocking in a softly lit room. Treats and rewards may be used to encourage children to tolerate activities they would normally avoid. 

This kind of therapy is great because it relies a lot on learning through play, which doesn’t feel like therapy at all! The key to success for kids with hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity is practice! Sensory Integration Therapy is, in other words, a way to practice getting used to new things and making them seem more normal.