Sensory Integration
Do you know a child
who may do any of the following?
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Wants tags cut out of clothing
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Avoids getting messy
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Is clumsy, awkward or has problems with coordination
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Bumps or pushes others inappropriately
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Covers ears in reaction to certain sounds.
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Falls on purpose
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Always “on the go”
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Avoids swinging activities
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Stomps or walks on toes frequently
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Appears to be over/under sensitive to pain
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Throws frequent temper tantrums or “melt downs”
If you answered “yes” to several of these
statements, this child may have sensory integration dysfunction.
What is
Sensory Integration?
Sensory Integration is the ability to take in, sort out, and connect information from the environment and the world around us.
Without much thought, most everyone receives input from the five senses (sight, smell, touch, feel and taste) as well as body awareness and motion. This information is processed through the brain and appropriate responses are the result of proper “integration.”
Some people are unable, for whatever reason, to get the sensory input processed properly and therefore do not give the appropriate response. This is observed as behavior problems, withdrawal from or seeking out particular things or activities, learning difficulties or temper tantrums known as “meltdowns.”
What Causes Sensory
Integration Dysfunction?
The cause of sensory integration dysfunction (DSI) is not known, but proper treatment has been shown to improve the child’s ability to integrate the stimulus. Some children who are at risk for DSI can include children with:
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premature birth
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autism /PPD
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language difficulty
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learning disorders
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multiple medical procedures
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traumatic event
An excellent article about the Sensory Integration Gym at The Rehabilitation Center appeared in the Sherman Herald-Democrat newspaper. Please click here to read it.
For more information regarding the diagnosis or treatment of sensory integration dysfunction, please contact Jed Jennings, OTR at The Rehabilitation Center.
