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Sensory Integration (SI)

 

Sensory integration is a specialty area of occupational therapy that is based on over 40 years of theory and research. The term “sensory integration” refers to:

  • The way the brain organizes sensations for engagement in occupation/ activities
  • A theory based on neuroscience that provides perspective for appreciating the sensory dimensions of human behavior
  • A model for understanding the way in which sensation affects development
  • Assessments including standardized testing, systematic observation, and parent or teacher interviews that identify patterns of sensory integration dysfunction
  • Intervention strategies that enhance information processing, praxis, and engagement in daily life for individuals, populations and organizations

 

What occupational therapy may look like for students with difficulty with sensory integration:

  • Classic intervention usually takes place within a specially designed therapeutic environment that allows the therapist to present specific sensory and movement challenges to the child, which gradually increase in complexity over time.
  • Intervention includes consultation and education with parents, teachers and other caregivers, modification of environments and inclusion of appropriate sensory-based activities throughout the day.

 

 

 

Sensory Activities

 

These activities can be used to increase attention and regain focus on tasks. Sometimes all children need is a movement or heavy work break to get back on track. Please provide your child with a few heavy work/ deep input activities and movement periodically throughout the day. Try to use the same activities (1-4) for the whole week then switch.

 

Heavy Work & Deep Input Activities

  1. Wall pushes
  2. Chair push ups
  3. Push ups
  4. Pressing hands together, crossing arms and put on shoulder with opposite hands, putting hands on knees and pressing down.
  5. Pushing activity
  6. Carrying or moving heavy objects
  7. Jumping up and having feet hit hard on the floor
  8. Marching in place with big pressure when feet hit the ground
  9. Carrying crate of books to other people’s room

 

 

Movement Activities

  1. Jumping jacks
  2. Side steps
  3. Jumping up and having feet hit hard on the floor
  4. Hoping on one foot and then the other
  5. Shake body parts
  6. Rotating shoulder and upper trunk side to side
  7. Marching in place
  8. Taking a walk 

 

 

 

 

Reference: Parham, D., & Mailloux, Z. (2001). Sensory Integration. In J. Case-Smith (Ed.), Occupational therapy for children (pp. 329-381). Philadelphia, PA: Mosby.