Sensory Integration Therapy for Speech & Language Impairments
If your child is struggling to pronounce words clearly, avoids speaking in class, or seems overwhelmed in noisy places, sensory integration therapy for speech and language impairments may be the missing piece. At Cadabams CDC, we combine sensory processing techniques with evidence-based speech and language interventions so children can speak, listen, and connect with confidence.
Why Sensory Integration Matters for Speech & Language
Speech does not develop in isolation. A child’s ability to hear, process, and produce sounds depends on how well their brain integrates sensory input from the ears, mouth, muscles, and skin. When sensory processing is disrupted, everyday sounds can feel painful, or the mouth may not register where the tongue is placed—making speech unclear or delayed.
How Sensory Processing Affects Articulation
- Auditory filtering issues: Background noise competes with speech sounds, causing mispronunciation.
- Tactile defensiveness: The tongue or lips may become hypersensitive, limiting the variety of sounds a child can make.
- Proprioceptive under-responsivity: Weak internal feedback about jaw or tongue position leads to slurred or “mushy” speech.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Combined Therapy
Look for these sensory red flags that often overlap with language delay or speech sound disorders:
- Covers ears or melts down in noisy environments
- Speaks too loudly or too softly for the setting
- Drools past age 4 or constantly chews on clothing
- Avoids textured foods that require strong oral-motor skills
- Cannot follow multi-step directions despite normal hearing
Our Sensory Integration Therapy Program
At Cadabams CDC, every child begins with a multidisciplinary assessment that pairs a senior sensory integration therapist with a speech-language pathologist. This ensures we treat the whole child, not just isolated symptoms.
Initial Sensory–Speech Evaluation
- 60-minute session combining standardized tests and clinical observations
- Screens for sensory modulation disorder, praxis deficits, and phonological processing
- Parent interview to understand birth history, feeding milestones, and current behaviors
Individualised Sensory–Language Goals
Based on results, we co-create measurable objectives:
- “Child will produce /s/ and /z/ in conversation for 80% of opportunities after 12 weeks of proprioceptive oral-motor play.”
- “Child will follow 2-step classroom instructions in a noisy hallway with 90% accuracy within 6 weeks.”
Play-Based Therapy Rooms & Equipment
We transform therapy into adventure:
- Crash-pit swings for vestibular input that primes the brain for language sequencing
- Fiber-optic tunnels to calm tactile defensiveness before articulation drills
- Weighted blankets and therapy balls to improve body awareness for clearer speech
Step-by-Step Therapy Process
Parents often ask, “What happens after I book?” Here’s the exact roadmap:
Step 1: Book an Appointment Online or by Phone
- Click the “Book a Session Today” button or call our 24/7 helpline.
- Receive an instant confirmation with intake forms optimized for busy parents.
Step 2: 60-Minute Multidisciplinary Assessment
- One appointment, two experts.
- Observe your child in our sensory gym, quiet clinic room, and mock classroom to see real-world performance.
Step 3: Personalised Plan & Parent Orientation
- Leave with a printed plan plus a QR code linking to a 5-minute explainer video.
- Schedule a 15-minute Zoom follow-up for any lingering questions.
Step 4: Weekly 45-Minute Therapy Sessions
- Same therapist pair every week to build rapport.
- Sessions alternate between gross-motor sensory circuits and table-top speech drills.
Step 5: Monthly Progress Reviews
- Data-driven graphs emailed to parents 24 hours before review meetings.
- Adjust goals or graduate to maintenance sessions as needed.
Techniques & Activities We Use
We select activities based on the sensory profile and speech targets. Below are our most effective pairings.
Vestibular Swings for Oral Motor Control
- Platform swings with prone positioning activate the vestibular system, improving jaw stability for sounds like /k/ and /g/.
- Children practice blowing whistles while swinging to integrate breath control with movement.
Tactile Boards for Sound Production
- Sandpaper letters and fuzzy stickers help children “feel” where the tongue should touch, reducing distortions.
- Weekly take-home kits let parents reinforce tactile cues during bedtime stories.
Proprioceptive Games for Sentence Formation
- Resistance tunnels provide deep pressure that organizes the nervous system for complex grammar.
- While crawling, children describe pictures on flashcards, turning muscle feedback into fluent phrases.
Expected Outcomes & Timeline
Every child is unique, but families can expect predictable stages of improvement.
Short-Term Gains (4–6 Weeks)
- Reduced sensory meltdowns during homework or mealtime conversations
- Clearer single-word production (e.g., “cat” vs. “tat”)
- Increased willingness to participate in group storytelling at school
Long-Term Milestones (6–12 Months)
- Age-appropriate narrative skills: recounting a movie plot in sequence
- Intelligibility in noisy cafeterias rated above 80% by unfamiliar listeners
- Self-advocacy: child independently asks for a quieter seat or repeats themselves without frustration