The term “sensory integration” refers to the processing, integration, and organization of sensory information from the body and the environment.
Simply put, this means how we experience, interpret and react to (or ignore) information coming from our senses. Sensory integration is important in all the things that we need to do daily, such as getting dressed,
eating, moving around, socializing, learning, and working.
Sensory integration therapy should only be carried out by a qualified SI Practitioner: This is a qualified occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, or physiotherapist who has undertaken additional, rigorous postgraduate training in SI. This training involves developing a detailed understanding of the neuroscience and evidence base underpinning sensory integration as well as developing expertise in assessing and providing intervention for people with sensory integration problems.
SI therapy (or SI interventions) include structured exposure to sensory input, movement therapy, balance treatments, and carefully designed and customized physical activities and accommodations (eg, changes to the environment or routine). An SI Practitioner may work with the client, their family, carers, school, other allied health professionals, or employer (as appropriate) to create a ‘sensory diet’ for that specific client. A sensory diet is a recommended suite of activities and accommodations (that can be carried out both in therapy sessions and at home or school) to help give that individual the sensory input they need.
Sensory information is received from our senses, which include:
● Sight (vision)
● Hearing (auditory system)
● Touch (tactile system)
● Taste (gustatory system)
● Smell (olfactory system)
● Proprioception (senses of body awareness and position)
● Vestibular (awareness of movement, balance, and coordination)
● Interoception (our internal sensory system that tells us what is happening inside our body, for example, hunger, needing the toilet, fatigue, emotions, etc)
For most of us, the development of sensory integration occurs when we are young as part of our normal development and in the things we do such as rolling, crawling, walking, and play; for others, sensory integration is less well developed.