Sensory Integration Education (2024)

FAQs

What is the sensory integration theory in education? ›

Sensory integration theory provides evidence from basic and applied science about the ability to receive, sort, process, and make use of the information originating from the body and the environment and perceived by our senses (touch, gravity, body position and movement, sight, smell, hearing, taste).

An example of sensory integration is: Baby smelling food as they bring it to their mouth. Tasting the food. Feeling the texture of the food.

Techniques in Sensory Integration Therapy

Occupational therapists design playful activities that involve various sensory experiences to challenge the child's sensory processing abilities. These activities may include playing with swings, trampolines, large balls, and other equipment that provide sensory input.

Sensory integration therapy (SIT) is mainly performed by occupational therapists to help children improve their processing and integration of sensory inputs to gain appropriate adaptive response to everyday stimuli.[5] During play, "the just-right challenge" is provided through sensory-motor activities.[6] ASI is ...

Some examples of sensory-based interventions include: sound therapies, weighted vests, dynamic seating, and reducing sensory aspects of environments such as soundproof walls. o Possible improvements in self-care functional skills o Possible improvement in adult interaction.

Sensory processing issues are not a learning disability or official diagnosis. But they can make it hard for children to succeed at school. For instance, oversensitive kids respond easily to sensory stimulation and can find it overwhelming.

Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Formerly referred to as sensory integration dysfunction, it is not currently recognized as a distinct medical diagnosis.

There are four main areas that make up sensory integration: Sensory Defensiveness, Arousal Level, Modulation and Integration of Multiple Senses. The person affected by sensory defensiveness experiences stimuli that are typically “neutral†for most persons, as though it were painful, irritating or threatening.

Their movement changes from being jerky and clumsy, to more refined and they are able to manage multiple amounts of sensory input at one time. By organising sensations the child is able to modulate their response and as a result they seem to be more connected with the world and in control of their emotions.

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 on a daily basis, such as getting dressed, eating, moving around, socialising, learning and working.

What are the signs of sensory integration? ›

More high-quality research is needed to find out whether sensory integration therapy helps autistic children. Some studies have suggested that it might help children achieve some goals, but there are problems with the way these studies were designed. Also, it isn't clear how the therapy helps children.

Sensory integration therapy, usually conducted by an occupational or physical therapist, is often recommended for children who have sensory processing disorder. It focuses on activities that challenge the child with sensory input. The therapist then helps the child respond appropriately to this sensory stimulus.

Provide opportunities for them to run and jump and crash, if that's what they are seeking out. If they are seeking out visual or auditory input, provide more opportunities for them to receive that input in a purposeful way. For a sensory seeking toddler, it's helpful to set up a “start and stop” activity.

Sensory Stimulation Theory holds that effective learning occurs through stimulating the senses, especially vision. Hearing is also important, while other senses play a smaller role. Stimulating multiple senses leads to greater learning.

What is Sensory Integration Therapy? Sensory integration therapy, which was developed in the 1970s by an OT, A. Jean Ayres, is designed to help children with sensory-processing problems (including possibly those with ASDs) cope with the difficulties they have processing sensory input.

SI therapy (or SI interventions) includes structured exposure to sensory input, movement therapy, balance treatments, and carefully designed and customised physical activities and accommodations (e.g., changes to the environment or routine).

The theory of totally integrated education (TIE) predicts that mental structures formed by learners are expected to be stronger when “knowing that one,” “knowing how,” and “knowing that” are integrated with learner emotions and intentions.