Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration is one of the techniques considered helpful as part of a multidisciplinary approach to autism. This article provides an overview of the philosophy behind sensory integration therapy. Sensory integration has also proven beneficial for some types of learning disabilities.

Sensory integration theory is based on the concept that the information we receive about the world comes through our sensory systems. This includes the basic five senses of taste, sight, smell, sound and touch, as well as a sense of movement, and a sense of body position.

Signs of Sensory Integrative Dysfunction

Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds

Under-reactive to sensory stimulation

Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low

Coordination problems

Delays in speech, language, motor skills, or academic achievement

Poor organization of behavior

Poor self-concept

Most people are familiar with the basic five senses, but are less aware of the roles of movement and the sense of body position in learning and daily functioning. The sense of movement is also referred to as the vestibular sense, which responds to body movement through space and change in head position. Another name for sense of body position is proprioception.

Three of the senses, tactile (touch), vestibular, and proprioception, are closely related and need to work together smoothly for proper functioning and motor planning. Sensory integration is a term that describes the organization, or interconnection, of these senses.

Signs of Sensory Integrative Dysfunction have been defined by Sensory Integration International, Inc. (see chart). It is suggested that a youngster with a sensory integration disorder generally demonstrates more than one of these characteristics.

What Can Parents Do?

If you suspect that your child has a sensory integration disorder, you should arrange for an evaluation by a qualified physical therapist or occupational therapist. An evaluation will provide you with information regarding responses to sensory stimulation, balance, coordination, posture and eye movement. The therapist will seek to develop an understanding of your child's visual perception, sense of touch, movement and body position, eye-hand coordination, and motor-planning ability. Therapeutic interventions will be prescribed, if indicated.

For more information:
Sensory Integration International, 1602 Cabrillo Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501-2819; phone: (310) 533-8338

American Occupational Therapy Association, 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220; phone: (301) 652-2682

Latitudes is a quarterly online publication of the Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy (ACN). Every issue has information on non-toxic approaches to autism, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety, Tourette syndrome, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity. Subscription: $40. To order online click here. Or, fax address and credit card information to (561) 798-9820; checks can be made payable to ACN and sent to Latitudes Subscriptions, P.O. Box 2198, Broken Arrow, OK 74013.