Children and adults with autism as well as those with other developmental disabilities, may have a dysfunctional sensory system. Sometimes one or more senses are either over or under reactive to stimulation. Such sensory problems may be the underlying reason for such behavior such as rocking, spinning, and hand flipping. Sensory integration therapy aims to help kids with Sensory processing issues (which some people may refer to as “sensory integration disorder”) by exposing them to sensory stimulation in a structured, repetitive way. The theory behind it is that over time, the brain will adapt and allow kids to process and react to sensations more efficiently.

Sensory integration therapy focuses primarily on three basic senses- tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive. Their interconnections start forming before birth and continue to develop as the person matures and interact with his/her environment.

Gross and fine motor coordination problems are also common when these three systems are dysfunctional and may result in speech, language delays and in academic under achievement. Behaviorally the child may become impulsive, easily distractible and show general lack of planning. Some children may also have difficulty adjusting new situations and may react with frustration, aggression and withdrawal.

Sensory integration (SI) therapy should be provided by a specially trained occupational therapist (OT). The OT determines through a thorough evaluation whether your child would benefit from SI therapy. In traditional SI therapy, the OT exposes a child to sensory stimulation through repetitive activities.

The OT gradually makes activities more challenging and complex. The idea is that through repetition, your child’s nervous system will respond in a more “organized” way to sensations and movement.