Sensory integration is a fundamental concept in the field of sensory rehabilitation, especially in children. In this article, we will explore what it consists of, its theory, importance, objectives, processes and who are the professionals in charge of carrying out this therapy. In addition, we will offer examples of therapies to provide a more complete vision of this topic that is so relevant to the care and development of children.
What is the theory of sensory integration?
Sensory integration theory was developed by occupational therapist and educational psychologist Jean Ayres, a prominent professional at the University of Southern California, where she completed all her studies. This theory is valuable for understanding how children process and use sensory information. According to this theory, the central nervous system is responsible for receiving, interpreting and organizing the different sensory signals that come from the environment and from the body itself.
Ayres’ theory maintains that when sensory integration works efficiently, children can respond appropriately and adaptively to stimuli. This allows them to explore their environment, learn and develop skills optimally. However, in some cases, there may be difficulties in processing sensory information. The consequence is that the child’s ability to participate in daily activities effectively is affected.
The theory is based on the premise that the development and maturation of the central nervous system are influenced by the interaction between sensory systems and the environment. This implies that sensory experience plays a fundamental role in the formation of neuronal connections and the development of motor, cognitive and emotional skills.
The importance of sensory integration
Sensory integration plays a crucial role in the development and functioning of individuals, especially children. Below, we will explore its importance and how it affects different aspects of daily life.
- Motor development: Contributes to the development of basic motor skills. Through interaction with the environment, children receive sensory information that allows them to coordinate their movements. In this way, they can maintain balance, control strength and perform precise actions.
- Learning and academic performance: Influences children’s learning and academic performance. The ability to process and organize sensory information is essential for concentration, attention, memory and understanding. Children with sensory issues may struggle to follow instructions. The consequence is that they will also have problems discriminating between visual or auditory stimuli, and adapting to new environments.
- Social and emotional skills: Children experiencing difficulties may show extreme sensitivity to certain stimuli, which can lead to disproportionate emotional responses.
- Autonomy and self-care: Influences children’s capacity for independent self-care. This allows them to perceive and respond to bodily sensations, such as hunger, sleep, thirst, and the need to go to the bathroom.
What is the goal of sensory integration?
The main function is to facilitate the development of sensory skills in children. Through sensory integration therapy, we seek to improve perception, processing and response to sensory stimuli. Below, we will explore in detail the specific goals of this therapy:
- Improve sensory perception ability: Improve children’s ability to perceive and process sensory information accurately. This involves helping them recognize and discriminate different sensations, such as touch, sight, hearing, balance and proprioception.
- Promote adaptation and sensory regulation: Helps children to adapt and regulate their responses to sensory stimuli. Some children may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain stimuli. That’s what can make it difficult to participate in everyday activities.
- Facilitate coordination and balance: Seeks to improve children’s motor coordination and balance. For this, activities are carried out that stimulate the vestibular and proprioceptive system. In this aspect, the aim is to strengthen muscles, improve postural control and promote stability in different positions and movements.
- Support the development of cognitive and academic skills: By improving sensory perception, attention, memory and organization, we seek to facilitate learning and academic performance.
- Encourage participation in social and play activities: Seeks to encourage the active participation of children in social and play activities. By improving their ability to process and respond to sensory stimuli, greater interaction with the environment and with their peers is promoted.
How is sensory integration done?
This is done through sensory integration therapy. The process is carried out through the implementation of specific activities and strategies designed to stimulate and challenge the different sensory systems. Below are some common approaches and techniques used in therapy:
- Sensory play activities: Games and activities that involve different sensory stimuli are used. This can include tactile activities with textures, visual activities with lights and colors. Auditory activities with sounds and music, balance activities and movements in different directions, among others, are also useful.
- Vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation: This involves movements that challenge balance and coordination. Some of the most common activities are swinging, jumping, climbing, rolling or performing movements in different planes and directions.
- Controlled sensory environments: Places with appropriate features help provide an enriched sensory experience. These environments can include areas with different textures, lights, sounds, and smells. This way, children can explore and experience a variety of sensory stimuli in a safe and structured environment.
- Gradual challenges: It is based on the principle of developing greater sensory processing capacity. This involves adapting activities according to the child’s skill level and tolerance. Subsequently, the complexity of the stimuli and sensory demands are gradually increased as the therapy progresses.
- Emotional support and regulation: Occupational therapists provide an emotionally supportive environment. Thanks to these activities, children regulate their emotional responses to sensory stimuli.
It is important to note that sensory integration therapy is performed by specialized occupational therapists. These professionals evaluate the individual needs of each child. Depending on the particular information, specialists design a personalized treatment plan and adapt activities according to the characteristics and goals of each child.
Who works on sensory integration?
Sensory integration is a specialized discipline that requires the intervention of professionals trained in the area of occupational therapy. The main experts are:
- Occupational therapists: These are health professionals specialized in evaluating and treating sensory and functional difficulties in children. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of child development, the anatomy and physiology of the sensory system, and intervention techniques in sensory integration therapy.
- Sensory integration therapists: Some occupational therapists choose to specialize in this type of therapy. These therapists have received additional training and certification relevant to the area. They have a deep knowledge of the principles and approaches of this discipline. Additionally, they are experts in designing individualized intervention programs that fit the specific needs of each child.
It is necessary to know that work on sensory integration can also involve other health professionals, educators and parents. Doctors, psychologists, special educators, and other professionals can assist in the evaluation and follow-up of children who require therapy. Additionally, parents play a critical role in the therapeutic process, working closely with therapists to implement recommended strategies and provide a supportive environment at home.
What is sensory integration in children?
Sensory integration in children refers to the process by which the body’s sensory systems work efficiently. When the reaction is correct, the systems integrate with each other to receive, process and respond appropriately to sensory information from the environment. Sensory systems include touch, sight, hearing, taste, smell, balance, and proprioception (the perception of one’s body’s position and movement).
In children, it plays a relevant role in their development and daily functioning. As children explore their environment, sensory systems allow them to gather valuable information about the world around them. In this way they can respond appropriately to sensory demands. For example, when a child touches an object, his or her tactile system provides him with information about its texture and temperature, allowing him to interact and manipulate it appropriately.
This implies that the sensory systems function efficiently and are well coordinated with each other. In this way, children are able to process and organize sensory information accurately. Thanks to this, they will develop motor, cognitive and emotional skills appropriate to their age.
However, some children may have difficulties known as sensory processing disorder, and they may manifest in different ways. Some children may be hypersensitive to certain sensory stimuli, meaning they experience exaggerated or negative responses to common sensations, such as loud noises or unfamiliar textures. Other children may be hyposensitive, meaning they have a weaker or less conscious response to sensations.
Examples of sensory integration therapies
There are various therapies that are used to address difficulties in sensory processing and response in children. These therapies are tailored to each child’s individual needs and focus on stimulating and regulating sensory systems. Here are some examples:
- Sensory integration room: A controlled environment is created and enriched with sensory stimuli. This room is equipped with various materials and equipment that stimulate the different sensory systems. The most common items are swings, tunnels, sensory balls, texture pillows, interactive lights, and calming sounds. Occupational therapists guide children through specific activities designed to stimulate and regulate sensory systems.
- Tactile activities: Tactile activities focus on stimulating the tactile system through the exploration and manipulation of different textures. This may include activities such as playing with play dough, sand, water, paint, or sensory putty. In this way, children develop tactile discrimination skills, improve sensory perception and work on fine motor coordination.
- Balance and movement activities: These activities focus on stimulating the vestibular and proprioceptive system. The advantage is that these activities are related to balance and body awareness. Children can participate in activities such as swinging, climbing and jumping on a trampoline. But they can also make rocking movements or play on play structures that challenge balance. These activities promote motor coordination, balance and postural stability.
- Visual-auditory integration games: These games focus on the simultaneous stimulation of the visual and auditory systems. Children can participate in simple activities, such as those that involve following visual and auditory instructions. They can also practice identifying and associating sounds with images, or play games that require the integration of visual and auditory information. These activities help improve the coordination of sensory systems and promote joint attention.
- Self-regulation strategies: They help children manage and regulate their responses to sensory stimuli. These strategies may include breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, using self-management tools such as stress balls or pressure pillows, and visualization techniques. These strategies allow children to calm down and focus in challenging sensory situations.
It is worth mentioning that sensory integration therapy is adapted to the individual needs and goals of each child. Occupational therapists evaluate each child’s specific sensory difficulties. Based on the information collected, they design a personalized treatment plan that includes a combination of activities and appropriate therapeutic strategies.
