What is Sensory Therapy?

Sensory Integration Therapy is based on the theory of Sensory Integration, first developed by A. Jean Ayres.  According to her, sensory integration refers to the organization of senses for use by the body.

Our senses have to deal with information about our bodies and the inputs of the environment around us. Our brains need to process all this information such that it is integrated for normal functioning.

One way to look at sensory integration is by studying the neurological integration of sensory information for productive behaviour. It is an area of study by experts from diverse fields like Occupational therapy and Psychology.

Patients with dysfunction in sensory integration encounter problems with smell, touch, taste, hearing, movement and body coordination. Based on this, there developed the theory and practice of Sensory Integration Therapy. The pioneer in this field was the Ayres Sensory Integration intervention.

Different therapies and sensory therapy products are used to improve the condition of children facing sensory processing disorders:

·         Sense of touch: Can be improved by using play dough, glue, sticky tape, rubber toys, etc. Autistic children enjoy sense of pressure, which can be stimulated by weighted blankets, cushions and firm hugging.

·         Sense of smell: Play dough and toys may be sprayed with special fragrances.

·         Sense of sound: Computer games, talking toys, squeaky toys and musical instruments can be used

·         Proprioceptive system: It helps kids and adults locate their body in space. For this coordination, weighted belts, jumping on trampolines, skipping or pushing objects will be useful.

·         Vestibular system: It is located in the inner part of the ear. It governs our sense of balance and coordination by responding to movement and gravity. Therapy consists of swinging, rocking chairs, dancing, spinning, cart wheeling, etc.

·         New skills: Skills such as riding a bike or tying shoe laces can be tough as they involve sequences of motion. Therapy includes obstacle courses, mazes, swimming and toys like building blocks. 

·         Coordinating motion of both sides of the body together may be a problem. For this therapy, skipping, crawling, playing musical instruments, etc. will help.

·         Eye and hand coordination: Hitting balls with bats, throwing and catching balls, balloons and bean bags, etc. can be used.

These are some of the aspects about Sensory Integration Therapy.