Sensory Integration Therapy
Occupational therapists categorize sensory systems into several groups: oral, tactile, auditory, visual, olfactory, proprioception, vestibular, and interoception. Oral input occurs when we brush our teeth or chew gum. Tactile input describes the feeling we receive when we touch objects, such as by feeling velvet fabric, applying lotion, or petting a dog. Sounds from music, white noise, or silence are examples of auditory sensory input. Our olfactory sense allows us to smell scents like candles or food. Visual input describes the way an object or the environment looks and how that can affect our regulation.
Our sensory systems are an integral part of learning and nervous system development. In order to develop higher level learning skills, such as gross motor coordination to walk or skip and language skills to communicate, we first need to have regulated sensory systems. If any sensory system is not regulated, then a child’s ability to learn and develop new skills can be impaired as a result. Our sensory systems are the foundation of our nervous system and if that foundation isn’t sound or strong, then learning new things, like how to put on a shirt or tie shoes, becomes extremely difficult.
Other children demonstrate sensory hypersensitivity. For example, they may struggle to tolerate having messy hands (e.g. finger painting, messy foods, touching sand) or engaging in grooming tasks (e.g., nail cutting, hair washing) due to sensory aversion. Loud noises and bright lights can also be difficult to tolerate. For these individuals, the sensory input that they receive from these activities can be overwhelming to their nervous systems.
For children who demonstrate difficulty with sensory processing, occupational therapy can help. Occupational therapists are trained to implement sensory strategies to improve regulation and increase tolerance to input which may be aversive. They can develop a unique “sensory diet” for each child, which consists of various strategies that allow children to receive the input they need in a safe manner. Sensory integration can improve attention and increase tolerance to a variety of sensory information. If you have concerns about your child’s sensory regulation or any sensory seeking or sensory aversion, please contact TEAM 4 Kids to schedule an occupational therapy evaluation.