Sensory Integration Therapy

Overview

Sensory integration is the process by which our brain takes in all the sensory information coming from the environment, such as touch, movement, balance, hearing and vision, and brings it together in a meaningful way. When this process works healthily, the child responds appropriately to their environment, learns and moves with ease.

In some children, however, sensory information cannot be processed as expected. In this case the child may overreact to some stimuli and not react at all to others. Sensory integration therapy aims to support this processing through play-based and structured stimuli.

When Is It Applied?

• Over-sensitivity — being disturbed by certain sounds, touches, clothing labels or light.
• Under-sensitivity — delay in noticing stimuli, constant movement and seeking of stimulation.
• Balance and coordination difficulties — clumsiness, frequent falls, poor coordination of movements.
• Attention and focus problems — difficulty concentrating on a task.
• Difficulty with daily routines — difficulties with feeding, dressing or sleep patterns.

Rehabilitation Approach

In sensory integration therapy, our aim is to present the child with the right amount and the right type of sensory stimulus in a safe and enjoyable environment. Swings, balance platforms, different textures and movement-based activities are important tools of this work.

Each child's sensory profile is different from the others. For this reason, therapy is planned entirely on a personalized basis; the type and intensity of the stimuli are adjusted gradually by observing the child's responses. Play is both the path and the language of this process. Our aim is not to leave the child alone with a stimulus, but to offer them an environment in which they can safely experience that stimulus.

What We Do

First, our physiotherapist carefully evaluates the child and their sensory responses; by determining which sensory areas need support, we create a plan together with the family. In this assessment we also listen in detail to what the child struggles with in daily life.

We carry out our sessions within play, in an environment where the child feels safe. Our aim is for the child to come to therapy happily and to manage their sensory experiences a little more comfortably in each session.

We place the family at the center of the process. We share with parents simple sensory activities that can be applied at home and suggestions that will make daily life easier; because a child's development becomes lasting only with consistent support at home and in the clinic. We follow the child's progress together with the family, with patience.