"What is Sensory Integration?"

Sensory Integration (SI) is the ability to accurately perceive the information that comes into our body through our senses and to balance (or modulate) the force of the sensory stimulation. Vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste, body awareness and movement all convey information about the world around us. We use the information from these senses to help us relate to the world around us.

Problems with Sensory Integration

Behaviors of Children with Sensory Integration Difficulties

The following is a description of some of the commonly seen behaviors in children who exhibit sensory integrative difficulties.

An acute awareness of background noises

Fascination with lights, fans, water

Hand flapping/repetitive movements

Spinning items, taking things apart

Walking on tip-toe

Little awareness of pain or temperature

Coordination problems

Unusually high or low activity level

Difficulty with transitions (doesn't "go with the flow")

Self-Injury or aggression

Extremes of activity level (either hyperactive or under active).

Fearful in space (on the swings, seesaw or heights).

Striking out at someone who accidentally brushes by them.

Avoidance of physical contact with people and with certain "textures," such as sand, paste and finger paints.

The child may react strongly to stimuli on face, hands and feet.

A child may have a very short attention span and become easily distracted.

A strong dislike of certain grooming activities, such as brushing the teeth, washing the face, having the hair brushed or cut.

An unusual sensitivity to sounds and smells.

A child may refuse to wear certain clothes or insist on wearing long sleeves/pants so that the skin is not exposed.

Frequently adjusts clothing, pushing up sleeves and/or pant legs.

What is a Sensory Diet?

When occupational therapists talk about using a sensory diet we mean an individualized program of daily activities that help the child with

SI dysfunction become more efficient, focused and adaptable. Although in this case, the diet refers to sensory activities, and not to foods. A sensory diet includes various combinations of calming, alerting and organizing activities that are chosen by the occupational therapist to meet the child's individual needs.

Examples of SI Activities That Are Calming

Sucking, a thick shake with a straw, hard candies or a popsicle.

Slow rhythmic movement, rocking or swinging.

Cuddling, or wrapping a blanket around the shoulders.

Pushing against walls with the hands, sides of the body, back and buttocks.

Examples of SI Activities That Are Alerting

Light touch, light tickles with a feather, back scratch, koosh ball.

Fast, irregular movement, bouncing on a therapy ball, playing tag and jumping.

Crunchy foods: pretzels, crackers, popcorn or raw vegetable sticks.

Examples of SI Activities That Are Organizing (can be both alerting and calming)

Pushing and pulling activities: playing with a "stretch armstrong" toy or stiff clay, pushing a loaded cart.

Moving furniture, putting up chairs

Hiking, climbing, tug-of-war.

Carrying and passing out books.

Chewy foods: gum, bagels, fruit bars, dried fruit, etc.