Sensory Integration is the complex process of receiving, processing and organisating sensory information from our body and the environment.
Sensory integration was first referenced in ths 1960s and 70s by a pioneer of her time Dr. Jean Ayres. Ayres defined sensory integration as: “The neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively with the environment.” (1972).Sensory Integration Therapy is based on the theory she developed, which is now known as Ayres Sensory Integration ® (ASI).
We receive multiple sensory inputs and integration helps us to interpret and react or ignore the information. Sensory integration and sensory processing both refer to this process on managing sensory information. Sensory integration influences everything we do across the day from, eating, toileting, dressing, working, socilalsing and sleeping.
Sensory integration develops naturally during ordinary childhood activities, however, for some people, it does not develop as efficiently as it could and can affect activities of daily living, academic achievement, behaviour or social participation. These challenges are often referred to as sensory processing difficulties (Sensory Processing Disorder, SPD).
Sensory processing difficulties can be described as: “A decreased ability to process and integrate sensation [that results] in difficulty producing appropriate actions, which, in turn, may interfere with learning and behaviour” (Bundy and Lane, 2020).
The sensory processing of information is different for each individual, but for some the differences may impact their ability to function in daily activites. Responding to our sensory world is based in survival and saftey, as a result it is an automatic neurological process; but can be impacted by life experiences, medical conditions, trauma and the ageing process.
Our sensory systems provide a foundation for development, sitting at the bottom of the Pyramid of Learning (image below) and underpin the quality of all learning and behaviour. If one or multiple systems is not performing correctly it can have an impact on multiple aspects of daily life.
Our 8 Sensory Systems
We have 8 Sensory systems which work together to help us understand and respond to our world.
5 systems relate to the world around us:
Taste
Touch
Sight
Sound
Smell
3 systems relate to our body:
Proprioception
Interoception
Vestibular
What might support in Sensory Processing look like?
Assessment - the therapist will typically explore the individaul's unique sensory responses across all sensory systems. This can be through interviews, observations, questionnaires and assessments. The goal is to build a clear understanding of how a person responds to sensory stimuli in each systems and across differning environments.
Education - how the sensory systems influence and impact the person for all supporting the person.
Treatment - can be varied, sensory modulation and emotional regualtion, movement therapy, exploration of strategies to support, specific training in interoception, sensory diets.
Advocacy - support to navigate systems and access the required supports.
