Sensory Integration

Sensory Integration is the organization of sensory input for use.  Many children have deficits in their sensory processing.  Three common problems that children have are:

1.  Sensory registration problems-  failure to attend to or register relevant environmental stimuli.  

A child with sensory registration problems may seem unaffected by touch, pain, movement, tastes, smells, sights or sounds.  Safety is a huge concern for children with deficits in this area.  Occupational Therapists may work with these children on activities that involve vestibular stimulation (balance, position in space), and proprioceptive input (movement and compression of joints).

2.  Sensation-seeking behavior-  these children register sensations, but are under responsive to the incoming stimuli; therefore, they may seek large quantities of intense stimulation.    

These children are often seen as restless, and thrill seeking.  They may stomp instead of walking, bump into things, or spin in circles.   Occupational Therapists have to find a way that these children can receive the needed stimulation, without being socially disruptive, inappropriate, or dangerous to themselves or others.  Some things OT's may try are deep pressure (weighted vest, heavy work), and/or joint compressions, depending on the needs of the child.

3.  Sensory Defensiveness-  overwhelmed by ordinary sensory input, which causes a defensive reaction.  

Children with tactile defensiveness experience discomfort and irritation from sensations that most people do not find bothersome.  Example of stimuli that these children might find bothersome are:  textures of clothing, grass, textures of food, people brushing softly against them, brushing of teeth, etc.  

Gravitational insecurity is when a child has excessive fear during ordinary movement activities.  They are overwhelmed when their head position changes, or movement occurs.  They may avoid stairs, motor activities, uneven surfaces, or playground equipment. 

Some children might avoid noisy situations or certain sounds if they have auditory defensiveness. Children with visual defensiveness may have anxiety when they are placed in a visually busy environment.  Certain odors or taste, may disturb other children.  OT's can modify a child's environment to help decrease the sensory stimuli that they find bothersome.

Children with sensory processing deficits are sometimes misinterpreted as being aggressive, negative, and unsocial.  It is important for an occupational therapist to determine if a child is acting out because of behavior, or because of sensory deficits.  Standardized tests can be administered to help an OT determine the area and degree of sensory processing dysfunction. 

Some Common Sensory Activities and Techniques Used by OT's

Heavy Work

Oral Motor

Desk Top Activities

Vestibular/Proprioceptive

Environment