Sensory Integration Therapy is designed to help children who experience difficulties in processing sensory information. This type of therapy is often used for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), and other developmental delays. It focuses on improving the way the brain processes and responds to sensory input, enabling better engagement in daily activities.
What Is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration refers to how the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory information from the environment. This includes touch, sound, movement, and body position. For most people, this process happens naturally, but some children have difficulty making sense of sensory input, leading to challenges in motor skills, focus, and emotional regulation.
How Does Sensory Integration Therapy Work?
Sensory Integration Therapy involves structured activities guided by a trained occupational therapist. The sessions often feel like play but are designed to challenge and stimulate the child’s senses in a controlled and safe environment.
Key techniques include:
- Swinging and Spinning Activities – Improves balance and spatial awareness.
- Deep Pressure Stimulation – Provides calming input to reduce sensory overload.
- Tactile Play – Uses materials like sand, slime, or textured objects to enhance touch sensitivity.
- Proprioceptive Activities – Includes climbing, pushing, or pulling to improve body awareness.
- Vestibular Input – Incorporates movement exercises to develop coordination and balance.
Benefits of Sensory Integration Therapy
- Improved Focus and Attention – Helps children manage distractions and stay engaged.
- Better Emotional Regulation – Reduces anxiety and frustration caused by sensory overload.
- Enhanced Motor Skills – Builds strength, coordination, and balance for daily activities.
- Increased Social Interaction – Encourages participation in group activities and peer play.
- Greater Independence – Supports skills needed for dressing, eating, and self-care tasks.
Is Sensory Integration Therapy Right for Your Child?
Children who display signs of sensory processing challenges, such as sensitivity to light, noise, or touch, may benefit from this therapy. It is particularly helpful for children who avoid certain textures, struggle with coordination, or have difficulty sitting still. An occupational therapist can assess whether sensory integration therapy is a good fit.
Support at OrbRom Center
At OrbRom Center, we offer sensory integration therapy as part of our occupational therapy services. Our trained specialists create individualized plans to meet each child’s unique sensory needs. In addition, we provide speech therapy and developmental assessments to ensure holistic support for children with special needs.
