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What is Sensory Integration/Processing?
"Sensory integration/processing helps people “make sense” of the world around them. Think of all the sensations you experience while dressing, bathing, walking, or riding a bike.
Sensory integration is the process of using our senses to:
Quickly take in sensory information
Organize this information
Use it for success in everyday activities
We usually think of five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch (tactile), and smell. We also receive information from our body position sense (proprioception), and balance and movement sense (vestibular).
Integrating and processing information from the tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems, along with the other senses (sight, sound, taste, and smell), makes it possible to successfully participate in everyday activities.
Touch Sense
The tactile sense gives us information from our skin. Every time you touch something or are touched, your skin provides you with detailed information; this comes from the tactile sense. It allows you to tell the difference between a friendly touch from a peer to the feel of a bug on your arm.
The tactile sense is helping this child lick ice cream off the cone, while not being bothered.
Body Position Sense (Proprioception)
Proprioception is our body position sense. Proprioception is the ability to know where a body part is without having to look, and also helps us know how much pressure we need to do certain things. We use this sense when we pick up a paper cup filled with water without spilling or holding it too tightly.
Proprioception helps this child delicately hold the egg without crushing it.
Movement/gravity sense (vestibular)
Vestibular is our balance and movement sense. The vestibular sense allows us to move smoothly and balance while engaged in activities. We use this sense when riding a skateboard or sliding down a slide at the playground.
These kids are using vestibular information to help them balance while walking a rock path.
Some Possible Signs of Sensory Integration/ Processing Issues:
Overly sensitive or under reactive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds in the environment
Unusually high or low activity level
Easily distracted; poor attention to tasks
Delays in speech, motor skills, or academic achievement
Coordination problems; appears clumsy or awkward
Poor body awareness
Difficulty learning new tasks or figuring out how to play with unfamiliar toys
Appears to be disorganized most of the time
Difficulty with transitions between activities or environments
Immature social skills
Impulsivity or lack of self-control Difficulty calming self once “wound up”
Why Therapy is Important
Therapy provides hope to families
Therapy can improve a child’s sensory processing and increase confidence, self-esteem, social participation, self-regulation, andoverall skill development.
Therapists trained in sensory integration use a play- based and child-friendly approach. Children improve their ability to process and organize sensory information in a setting
where the child can engage in a variety of fun sensory experiences.Therapy can help
kids learn how to respond to a sensory rich world when playing with friends or simply
enjoying life.
If you have concerns, contact your healthcare provider. Ask to schedule a full assessment so your child’s doctor can observe your child and address any concerns you may have. Be sure to keep a notebook of your concerns and observations. Share the notebook with your doctor or healthcare provider."
Article created by:
Pathways.org. (n.d.). An Introduction to Sensory Integration/Processing. Retrieved from https://pathways.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SensoryBrochure_English_LEGAL_2022_reduced-size.pdf.
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