Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration: Sensory integration also called “sensory processing” refers to the process by which the brain organizes and interprets external stimuli such as touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound, and gravity. Certain behavioural and emotional problems might result from the malfunctioning of this process. The terms "sensory integration disorder SID" or sensory processing disorder “SPD” are used to characterize children who exhibit exaggerated sensitivity to sensory stimuli. The term was coined during the 1970s by A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR, an occupational therapist and licensed clinical psychologist.
Tactile: This is the sense of touch. Feedback from the skin receptors provides information on pressure, light touch, pain, texture and temperature. The tactile system allows for protection against harmful stimuli and discrimination between objects.
Proprioception: This is the sensory system which detects limb position. The proprioceptive system gives the awareness of where body parts are at any given moment, and determines the force needed to be exerted during an activity.
Vestibular: The vestibular system provides an awareness of gravity, and direction and speed of movement. The functions of the vestibular and proprioceptive systems are related to balance, bilateral coordination (ability to use the two sides of the body together), coordination of eye and head movements, and motor planning.
Sensory processing assessments and intervention: Clinical Observations and standardized assessments are used to assess the tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive processing. There is a focus on these systems as these systems form the bases for organized behaviour and the learning of higher functional skills.
Tactile: This is the sense of touch. Feedback from the skin receptors provides information on pressure, light touch, pain, texture and temperature. The tactile system allows for protection against harmful stimuli and discrimination between objects.
Proprioception: This is the sensory system which detects limb position. The proprioceptive system gives the awareness of where body parts are at any given moment, and determines the force needed to be exerted during an activity.
Vestibular: The vestibular system provides an awareness of gravity, and direction and speed of movement. The functions of the vestibular and proprioceptive systems are related to balance, bilateral coordination (ability to use the two sides of the body together), coordination of eye and head movements, and motor planning.
Sensory processing assessments and intervention: Clinical Observations and standardized assessments are used to assess the tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive processing. There is a focus on these systems as these systems form the bases for organized behaviour and the learning of higher functional skills.
Williams M and Shellenbergers S (1996) How Does Your Engine Run? Therapy Works Inc, New Mexico. Fig. 1-3.
The following videos are a great introduction to the Vestibular and Proprioceptive systems. The function of these two systems will affect your child's behaviour. If your child fidgets or is unable to stay still, one or both of these systems may need some work. If your child displays the behaviours shown in these videos, please contact us for further information.
The following videos are a great introduction to the Vestibular and Proprioceptive systems. The function of these two systems will affect your child's behaviour. If your child fidgets or is unable to stay still, one or both of these systems may need some work. If your child displays the behaviours shown in these videos, please contact us for further information.
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Please contact us if you have any questions about Sensory Integration and your child.
