What is sensory integration and how it can help

Sensory Integration is the process by which our brains receive sensory information from the environment and how we respond to this information. The brain processes and organises sensations received though our senses of touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell. It then uses this information to create appropriate behavioural and bodily responses. When there is a dysfunction in processing this information, it can impact the way an individual carries out their activities of daily living (work, leisure pursuit (play), socialising, personal care), mental wellbeing, ability to learn, develop and may impact some individuals’ behaviour.

When someone has sensory processing difficulties, their symptoms can vary depending on what type of sensory challenges they experience. people may experience either an oversensitivity or undersensitivity to sensory input — or a craving for sensory experiences.

If someone experiences oversensitivity, they are more likely to become overwhelmed by typical sensory sensations. Symptoms of oversensitivity may include hypersensitivity to certain sights, sounds, smells, or other senses, avoidance of strong sensory experiences, anxiety as a result of overstimulation from sensory input, sensitivity to specific tactile sensations or overreactions to bodily movements.

If someone experiences undersensitivity to sensory input, they experience a delayed or reduced response to input. Symptoms of undersensitivity may include decreased alertness and attention to sensory stimuli, increased threshold for tolerating sensations, such as pressure or pain, difficulty with movement, coordination, and even posture, differences in responses to social interactions.

challenges can also cause sensory-seeking, which is an increased need for sensory experiences. Sensory-seeking can cause symptoms such as a craving for different sensations (with a strong preference for certain sensations), trouble completing tasks, lower self-control, and even behavioural difficulties.

Sensory Integration is a therapy approach that helps individuals of all ages to cope with the difficulties they have in responding to their senses and the environment appropriately. Enabling individuals to internalise and regulate their sensory responses to the environment around them. Sensory Integration can offer an explanation behind the individual’s behaviour or the way they have responded to a situation.

We offer a number of different packages designed around specific needs. Depending upon outcomes some reports will recommend specific interventions such as development of sensory diets, completion of zoning work to support regulation strategies and on occupation there may be a need for some Ayres Sensory Integration Treatment which will be carried out in a specialist suite. This will be discussed with you on receipt of the report.

Following completion of any of the packages below there is an option of a follow up session to see how implementing the sensory strategies and recommendations is going and make any changes if needed.

To find out more please contact us and our sensory integration therapists, Wendy Link will be happy to arrange a free telephone consultation.