Some Signs of Sensory Integrative Dysfunction
- Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights or sounds
- Easily distracted
- Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
- Impulsive, lacking in self-control
- Inability to unwind or calm self
- Poor self concept
- Under-reactive to touch, movement, sights or sounds
- Social and/or emotional problems
- Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
- Difficulty making transitions from one situation to another
- Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
- Delays in academic achievement
Typically a child with a sensory integrative disorder will show more than one of the above signs.
What is Sensory Integration ?
Sensory experiences include touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound, and the pull of gravity. The process of the brain organizing and interpreting this information is called sensory integration. Sensory integration provides a crucial foundation for later, more complex learning and behavior.
For most children, sensory integration develops in the course of ordinary childhood activities. Motor planning ability is a natural outcome of the process, as is the ability to adapt to incoming sensations. But for some children, sensory integration does not develop as efficiently as it should. When the process is disordered, a number of problems in learning, development. or behavior may become evident.
The concept of sensory inetgration comes from a body of work developed by A. Jean Ayres, PhD; OTR. As an occupational therapist, Dr. Ayres was interested in the way in which sensory processing and motor planning disorders interfere with daily life function and learning.This theory has been developed and refined by the research of Dr.Ayres, as well as other occupational, and physical therapists. In addition, literature from the fields of neuropsychology, neurology. physiology, child development, and psychology has contributed to theory development and intervention strategies.
What Can Be Done ?
If a child is suspected of having a sensory integrative disorder, an evaluation can be contructed by a qualified* occupational or physical therapist. Evaluation usually consist of both standardized testing and structured observations of responses to sensory stimulation, posture, balance, coordination and eye movements. After carefully analizing test results and other assessment data along with information from other professionals and parents, the therapist will make recommendations as reguarding appropriate therapy.
If therapy is recommended, the child will be guided through activities that challenge his or her ability to respond appropriatelyto sensory inputby making a successful, organized response.
- Standards available from Sensory Integration International
Training of specific skills is not usually the focus of this kind of therapy. Adaptive physical education, movement education gymnastics are examples of services that typically focus on specific motor skills training. Such services are important, but they are not the same as therapy using a sensory inegrative approach.
One important aspect of therapy that uses a sensory integrative approach is that the motivation of the child plays a crucial role in the selection of the activities. Most children tend to seek out activities that provide sensory experiences most beneficial to them at that point in development. It is this active involvement and exploration that enables the child to become a more mature, efficient organizer of sensory information.
Where to learn more
The most important step in promoting sensory integration in children is to recognize that it exist and that it plays an important role in the development of a child. By learning more about sensory integration, parents, educators and care-givers can provide an enriched environment that will fosterhealthy growth and maturation. For more information:
- Write to Sensory Integration International at P.O. Box 9013, Torrance, CA.90508
- Contact your local Occupational or Physical Therapy Clinic.
- Read these and other books about sensory integration:
- A Parents Guide to Understanding Sensory integration, Sensory Integration International (1986)
- Sensory Integration and The Child, By A. Jean Ayres,
- Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services (1979)
- Sensory Motor Handbook, By Bissell, Fisher, Owens & Polcyn Sensory Integration International (1987)
- Sensory Integation: Theory and Practice, by Fisher, Murray & Bundy Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company (1991)
Links:
Sensory Integration Resource Center (This is a great resource site)
PHP (Parents Helping Parents) (very informative)
SOUTHPAW _great for SI therapy equiptment & info & chats
SI Network-Resources
Kirkman Laboratory
- Kirkman Laboratory's-Links
Autism NDI - Autism Network for Diet Intervention
GFCF Diet
Autism Research Institute
Out of Sync Child Website
Sensory Resources
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