What is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration isn't something a child either has or doesn't have. All children develop along the lines of integrating sensory information. However, if a child has a number of gaps in the process, it can push them down the spectrum into an area of developmental disability. This is where Integrative Pediatric Therapy can help.
Michael...is doing things his doctors said he would never do.
- Jenni
How does it work?
For normal developent to occur, our senses must work together. Each sense works with the others to form a composite picture of who we are physically, where we are in space, and let us know what is going on around us. Sensory Integration is the critical function fo the brain that is responsible for producing this composite picture. It organizes sensory information for ongoing use.
Michael...is doing things his doctors said he would never do.
- Jenni
Will my child benefit?
You may know a child who, although bright, has difficulty using a pencil, playing with toys, or doing self-care tasks, like dressing or getting ready for school. Perhaps you have seen a child so fearful of movement that ordinary swings, slides, or jungle gyms generate fear and insecurity. Or maybe you have observed a child whose problems lie at the opposite extreme of being uninhibited and overly active, often falling and/or running headlong into dangerous situations. In each of these cases, a sensory integrative problem may be an underlying factor. Its far-reaching effects can interfere with academic learning, social skills, motor development, and self esteem.
Who benefits from sensory integration therapy? What are some signs of possible dysfunction?
In infants/toddlers, look for:
(ages 1 to 36 mos)
- Poor muscle tone, drooling, delayed potty training
- Picky eater
- Difficulty consoling self; unusually fussy.
- Slow to roll over, creep, sit, or stand. vInability to build blocks.
- Dislikes baths, having face washed, loud noises, and food textures.
- Resists being held; dislikes being cuddled.
- Unable to settle down, sleep difficulties.
- History of feeding problems, colic or reflux
In pre-schoolers, look for:
(ages 3 to 5 years)
- Says "I can't" or "I won't" to age appropriate self care or play activities.
- Bumps into furniture or people; has trouble judging body in relation to space around him/her.
- Does not enjoy jumping, swings, or having feet off the ground.
- Difficulty coloring in lines, doing puzzles or cutting with scissors.
- Delayed language development.
- Overly active, unable to slow down.
- Over reacts to touch, tastes, sounds, or odors.
- Tires easily
- Toe walks
- Breaks toys easily
In school-age, look for:
(ages 6 & up)
- Difficulty focusing attention or over-focused and unable to shift to the next task.
- Low muscle tone; tends to lean on arms or slumps at desk.
- Breaks pencils frequently or writes with heavy pressure.
- Dislikes handwriting, tires quickly during written class work.
- Difficulty paying attention or following instructions.
- Overly active, unable to slow down.
- Dislikes bathing, hugs, and haircuts.
- Clumsy, breaks toys, bumps into things
- Trouble with social skills
If your child is experiencing two or more of these problems, please feel free to give us a call to discuss if an evaluation is advised for your child. Keep in mind, your child does not need to experience all of these things to have a problem with "sensory integration". Red flags may become apparent at any age.