How can
Sensory Integration help my child?
For most children, this integration occurs and develops
through the course of everyday childhood activities.
When this integration does not occur it is important to
look at your childs individual needs and how their
sensory systems are functioning. An Occupational
Therapist has the tools to be able to help you
understand what your childs needs are and how you can
work with your child at home, school and through play.
Through an evaluation a breakdown of what makes up one's
neurological system is observed and used as a means of
developing a "sensory profile." This profile is then
used to create a "sensory diet" for your child; a means
of feeding his/her sensory needs and encouraging
sensorimotor development. Often this leads to a child's
ability to process the information he/she receives from
his environment in a manner which helps him/her in their
everyday functioning. It is important for children to be
able to organize and process the information they
receive from their senses to be successful in daily
activities, school, academics, play, and everyday
relationships.
Who can
Sensory Integration benefit?
Sensory Integration treatment may be beneficial for
infants, children, adolescents, and adults with
difficulties attending and focusing, learning
disabilities/differences, developmental delays, autism
spectrum, learning disabilities, brain injury, stress
related disorders, poor body awareness, and the list can
continue.
It is important to recognize that sensory integration is
the basis of success for any child and/or adult. The
generalized concept of offering your child (either with
or without needs) an opportunity for sensorimotor play
is important as this is how we all learn and grow within
our environment.
It helps provide one with the ability to make new
neuronal pathways within the brain.
What kind of
outcomes can I expect to see?
Improved confidence and self-esteem
Improved body awareness
Better attention and focus at home and the classroom
Improved gross motor skills
Improved writing and drawing skills
Improved strength/tone
Improved visual skills
Decreased sensitivities (touch/taste/sound/visual)
Improved ability to tolerate change of
routine/transitions
Improved ability to enjoy movement and play
Improved overall coordination
Improved sensory-motor processing
Improved multi-step processing
These are just a few of the many examples of how Sensory
Integration Therapy can benefit your child. |
