What is Sensory Integration
>> Thursday, July 29, 2010
Children are so different that it is often
difficult to tell what is typical and not
typical. At Kids in Motion Pediatric
Therapy Services, we often get such
calls from parents, inquiring what exactly
is “normal”. Common questions often are
in regards to children’s behavior. Many
behaviors are typical, but there are some
that we start to probe a bit further. In
the following articles, you will receive
information regarding a disorder that is
affecting many children and is on the
rise—sensory integration dysfunction or
S.I. dysfunction.
S.I. dysfunction typically presents as
children who have difficulty with attention,
fidget a lot, aggressive or fearful,
problems following directions, just to
name a few! Some children are also
very picky eaters or can’t stand certain
textures or sounds. Sensory integration
dysfunction can cross many functional
areas: language, gross motor or fine
motor skills. A child may be able to
perform well with gross motor skills but
falls apart with language or fine motor
skills.
Some of our therapists are trained in
using sensory integration treatment
during their therapy sessions. Sensory
integration therapy involves using
movement to improve the integration
of the senses for improved output. It
is a child friendly treatment approach
that involves activities that children
love to engage in. Evaluation involves
standardized testing as well as parent
report and much observation. Treatment
length and frequency is dependent
on the severity of the need, but is
individualized with the child and family’s
schedules. In addition, families are
given many home program ideas so
they can address the child’s behavior
and speed progress. Often, after the
initial visit, a family goes home with
many techniques to use that will impact
the child immediately. Other aspects
of the child’s life are also monitored to
make sure they are successful in every
situation. We hear from many families
that a child will do well at gymnastics
class but falls apart in school.
Whatever the concern, our therapists
at Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy
Services can help a family to provide an
opportunity for success for their child no
matter what.
