Sensory Integration: Building a Better Future
For children with developmental delays or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the world can feel like an overwhelming swirl of sights, sounds, and sensations. Sensory integration therapy offers a way to help children process sensory information more effectively, creating a foundation for improved motor skills, focus, and emotional regulation.
What Is Sensory Integration Therapy?
Sensory integration therapy is designed to help children respond to sensory input in a balanced way. For some children, certain sensory inputs—like a loud noise or a rough texture—can trigger distress or avoidance. Others may seek excessive sensory stimulation, such as spinning or bouncing, to feel calm and centred.
The therapy focuses on engaging the brain’s sensory pathways through structured activities that promote better processing and response. These activities target the senses, including touch, sound, sight, movement, and proprioception (the sense of body position).
How Sensory Integration Therapy Helps
For children with retained primitive reflexes (RPRs), sensory integration therapy is especially valuable. Reflexes like the Moro reflex or the Palmar Grasp reflex can heighten sensory sensitivities, making everyday experiences overwhelming. Therapy helps integrate these reflexes, paving the way for more advanced brain functions.
Benefits of sensory integration therapy include:
Improved motor skills: Activities like swinging or climbing enhance coordination and balance.
Better focus: Reducing sensory overwhelm allows children to concentrate on tasks.
Enhanced emotional regulation: Calming techniques help manage meltdowns and anxiety.
What Happens During a Session?
Therapy sessions are tailored to each child’s needs. They may involve:
Swinging: Spinning encourages balance and vestibular integration.
Playing with textures: Builds tactile tolerance and reduces sensitivity.
Obstacle courses: Combine motor and sensory tasks to engage multiple brain areas.
These activities not only promote sensory integration but also make therapy enjoyable and engaging.
Empowering Parents and Children
Parents can extend the benefits of sensory therapy at home by creating sensory-friendly environments. Using weighted blankets, fidget tools, or noise-cancelling headphones can help children feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives.
By addressing sensory processing challenges, sensory integration therapy helps children build the skills they need to thrive in school, at home, and in the community.
