Occupational Therapy for Sensory Integration
Occupational therapy can help with sensory sensitivities or trouble processing different sensory inputs. This is also known as sensory integration. Although everyone reacts differently to different sensory inputs, sometimes these sensations can be overwhelming to the point that it affects a child’s ability to participate in their daily activities, and this is where an occupational therapist may be able to help.
What is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration is the process of being able to take in and react to different sensations or stimuli we experience. Our brains take in information about our surroundings, including the sensations we feel, such as taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight. There needs to be communication between the brain and body about what senses are being engaged, and then that information needs to be organized and interpreted.
Problems with Sensory Integration
Sensory sensitivity acts like a spectrum, meaning that everyone reacts differently to different sensations. For example, some people don’t like going to concerts because it’s too loud, making them uncomfortable, or some people don’t enjoy spicy foods because it is especially irritating.
Everybody reacts to these things differently, but some people are over- or under-responsive or seek certain sensations to calm down. You may notice this in early childhood by how your child responds to different stimuli. Since variation in sensory sensitivity is normal, it is important to recognize that it is only concerning when this sensitivity starts to affect a person’s daily life. It's also important to remember that even though a child may be over-responsive to one sense, they may be under-responsive to another.
Problems with sensory integration can take on many different forms. If a child is especially sensitive to smell, a strong smell might make them feel physically sick. This can cause them to avoid certain areas entirely, like the school cafeteria, because they think they will encounter an overwhelming smell. If a child is under-responsive to touch, they might not realize they are bumping into things and have a poor sense of body awareness. This can lead to poor coordination, and you may see a lot of bruises on your child. Finally, sensory seeking is looking for certain sensations to help calm down, this can be deep pressure, so they might like bumping into people. Alternatively, this can constantly be chewing on things such as toys, shirts, or fingernails. This can even be painful behavior, such as hair pulling.
Occupational Therapy’s Role in Sensory Integration
An occupational therapist can help identify any issues your child may have with sensory integration. Sensory issues can manifest in many different ways and behaviors, and a therapist will be able to help recognize the root of the problem and create a plan to address them.
An OT will help a child understand why they are reacting a certain way and will recommend modifications to the environment or behaviors to help a child overcome any barriers they may face. These can be simple fixes such as providing headphones to help them focus on tasks or recommending cotton if certain fabrics are overwhelming.
The OT will also help with the child’s self-regulation to allow them to respond to overstimulating sensations in a positive, safe manner and prevent potentially distracting or harmful self-soothing methods.
Most importantly, early intervention will allow for a child to be able to fully participate in their daily lives because sensory barriers will be manageable and not get in their way. This intervention can take place in the school, in private clinics, or even in a home environment.
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“Addressing Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorders Across the Lifespan: The Role of Occupational Therapy,” AOTA, 2015, https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/CY/Fact-Sheets/FactSheet_SensoryIntegration.pdf