Physiotherapy Notes
Introduction to Sensory Integration In Pediatrics
Sensory experiences include touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound and the pull of gravity. The process of the brain organizing and interpreting this information is called sensory integration. Sensory integration provides a crucial foundation for later, more complex learning and behavior. For most children, sensory integration develops in the course of ordinary childhood activities. Motor planning ability is a natural outcome of the process, as the ability to adapt to incoming sensations. But for some children, sensory integration does not develop as efficiently as it should. When the process is disordered, a number of problems with learning, development or behavior may become evident.
The concept of sensory integration comes from a body of work developed by A. Jean Ayres, PhD,OTR. As an occupational therapist, Dr. Ayres was interested in the way in which sensory integration and motor planning disorders interfere with daily life function and learning. This theory has been developed and refined by the research of Dr. Ayres as well as other occupational and physical therapists. In addition, literature from the fields of europsychology, neurology, child development, and psychology has contributed to theory development and intervention strategies. How sensory integration therapy typically works,its the main form of Sensory Integration Therapy is a type of occupational therapy that places a child in a room specifically designed to stimulate and challenge all of the senses. During the session, the therapist works closely with the child to encourage movement within the room. Sensory integration therapy is driven by four main principles.First principle Right Challenge the child must be able to meet the challenges through playful activities.Second principle is adaptive Response the child adapts behavior to meet the challenges presented.third principle is active Engagement
Sensory experiences include touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound and the pull of gravity. The process of the brain organizing and interpreting this information is called sensory integration. Sensory integration provides a crucial foundation for later, more complex learning and behavior. For most children, sensory integration develops in the course of ordinary childhood activities. Motor planning ability is a natural outcome of the process, as the ability to adapt to incoming sensations. But for some children, sensory integration does not develop as efficiently as it should. When the process is disordered, a number of problems with learning, development or behavior may become evident.
The concept of sensory integration comes from a body of work developed by A. Jean Ayres, PhD,OTR. As an occupational therapist, Dr. Ayres was interested in the way in which sensory integration and motor planning disorders interfere with daily life function and learning. This theory has been developed and refined by the research of Dr. Ayres as well as other occupational and physical therapists. In addition, literature from the fields of europsychology, neurology, child development, and psychology has contributed to theory development and intervention strategies. How sensory integration therapy typically works,its the main form of Sensory Integration Therapy is a type of occupational therapy that places a child in a room specifically designed to stimulate and challenge all of the senses. During the session, the therapist works closely with the child to encourage movement within the room. Sensory integration therapy is driven by four main principles.First principle Right Challenge the child must be able to meet the challenges through playful activities.Second principle is adaptive Response the child adapts behavior to meet the challenges presented.third principle is active Engagement