What Is Sensory Integration and which children would benefit from SI and/or OT?
The term 'Sensory Integration" was developed by A. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist. It describes certain processes that occur in the brain allowing us to interpret and process the information we receive from our environment. These processes include sight, sound, smell, touch, movement, body awareness, and proprioception. Sensory integration is a normal function of the central nervous system and provides a foundation for more complex learning and behavior. For some children sensory integration does not develop correctly and a child can exhibit motor, learning, and behavioral difficulties. Children with auditory processing disorders, ADHD, and pervasive developmental disorders will gain the most from sensory integration therapy. Difficulties with sensory processing can manifest as sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behaviors, problems in self-regulation where activity levels too high or too low, and difficulties with organization. It can also interfere with self-care, language, motor, and social skills. Some specific concerns parents might have are clumsiness, trouble with handwriting, acts fussy when held, short attention span, and "picky" eating behaviors.
Occupational therapists help children:
- Improve fine motor and grasp, as well as, writing and drawing skills
- Improve oral-motor strength
- Improve overall strength and coordination
- Improve visual perceptual skills
- Improve self-dressing, feeding, and grooming skills
- Improve sensory motor processing abilities by increasing overall organization, focus, and attention
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