What is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory integration is the brain’s ability to receive, process, and respond to sensory information.

When this sensory system is disrupted, children struggle with balance, coordination, emotional regulation, and attention. SIT helps train the brain to interpret sensory stimuli more effectively.

Origins and Evolution of Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT), developed by occupational therapist Dr A. Jean Ayres in the 1970s, is a therapeutic approach aimed at overcoming problems related to sensory processing.

Ayres' work focused on how the brain receives, interprets and organises sensory input from the environment and uses it to elicit appropriate motor and behavioural responses.

Initially developed for children with learning disabilities and motor difficulties, the application of SIT has expanded over time.

Why Sensory Integration Matters for Child Development

Processing sensory input is the secret to a child's ability to learn to move and interact with others.

When they misinterpret sensory signals, they become anxious, have difficulty concentrating, or have poor coordination.

SIT enables cognitive, social and emotional development by enabling children to better adapt to sensory input.

Understanding Vestibular and Proprioceptive Senses

The vestibular system (spatial awareness and balance) and the proprioceptive system (body awareness) are crucial for motor control.

SIT uses swinging, jumping, and exercises with weights to stimulate these senses and facilitate movement coordination.

Role of Occupational Therapists in Sensory Integration Therapy

Occupational therapists recognise sensory processing problems and design structured treatment plans. They use low-pressure, movement-based, and sensory play approaches to help children develop self-regulatory and co-ordination skills.

Benefits of Sensory Integration Therapy

SIT helps children in many ways, from developing sensory processing skills to social engagement and independence.

Enhancing Sensory Processing Skills

Children with sensory problems may respond to stimuli with over- or under-reactions. SIT strengthens their sense of processing touch, sound and movement and eliminates sensory-related anxiety.

Improving Daily Functioning and Participation

By building sensory regulation, children can complete daily tasks more efficiently. SIT improves concentration in school, increases independence in self-care and improves participation in group activities.

Reducing Anxiety and Behavioural Issues

Overstimulation leads to outbursts, avoidance behaviour, and restlessness. SIT offers calming techniques, such as weight waistcoats, deep pressure stimulation, and sensory-friendly spaces, to help children self-regulate.

Supporting Children with Autism

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have sensory hypersensitivity. SIT reduces the sensory load so that they can more easily participate in social interactions and structured activities.

Building Self-Confidence and Independence

Children gain confidence in their abilities when they learn to regulate sensory responses. SIT helps them to become independent in daily activities and improves their quality of life.

Identifying Children Who May Benefit from Sensory Integration Therapy

Early identification of sensory issues ensures early intervention and better outcomes.

Signs of Sensory Processing Issues

Children with sensory processing problems may show various behavioural and physical signs. These include:

• Avoiding or seeking excessive movement, such as spinning, jumping or rocking.

• Overreaction to sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights or certain textures.

• Difficulty with fine motor tasks such as writing, tying shoelaces or using utensils.

• Inability to sit still, frequent fidgeting, or restlessness.

• Intense emotional reactions to specific clothing or food preferences causing anxiety or avoidance behaviour.

Assessment and Diagnosis

To determine if a child needs sensory integration therapy, a thorough assessment is conducted that includes the following:

• Sensory profile questionnaires to assess responses to sensory stimuli.

• Interviews with parents and teachers to gain insight into daily sensory challenges.

• Clinical observations to assess how the child responds to controlled sensory experiences.

• Standardised occupational therapy assessments to measure sensorimotor processing skills.

Behavioural Signs of Sensory Issues

Children with sensory processing problems may have:

• Frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts

• Refuse to participate in a group due to sensory overload

• Use excessive movement to cope and manage emotions

• Have difficulties with attention and concentration at school

When to Seek Professional Help for Sensory Integration Therapy

Conditions Treated with Sensory Integration Therapy

SIT is used for children with various developmental and neurological disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Helps children deal with sensory overload and hypersensitivity

• Encourages participation in social activities by improving sensory tolerance

• Supports self-regulation techniques for emotional and behavioural stability

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

• Develops sensory self-regulation

• Reduces sensory seeking or avoidance behaviour

• Promotes functional sensory responses

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• It helps improve concentration and impulse control

• Reduces hyperactivity through structured sensory play

• Supports calming techniques such as deep pressure activities

• Promotes better motor coordination through movement-based interventions

• Improves self-regulation and emotional stability in overstimulating environments

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

• Improves fine and gross motor coordination through targeted activities

• Improves balance and spatial awareness through vestibular exercises

• Develops core muscle strength for better postural control

• Improves hand-eye coordination for everyday tasks

• Promotes confidence in movement through structured therapy

Learning Disabilities

• Strengthens cognitive skills through multisensory learning techniques

• Improves attention span through sensory-based interventions

• Supports processing speed and problem solving through structured sensory play

• Improves reading and writing skills by improving fine motor control

• Encourages engagement in learning through adaptive strategies

Behavioural and Anxiety Disorders

• Reduces anxiety-related sensory sensitivities.

• Learns self-regulation strategies through a sensory-friendly environment

• Encourages calming sensory activities such as weighted blankets and deep pressure therapy

• Supports emotional resilience through structured interventions

• Improves coping skills in overwhelming sensory situations

Motor Skill Delays

• Improves core muscle strength for better postural control

• Promotes hand and finger dexterity for fine motor activities

• Improves coordination for running, jumping and climbing

• Develops motor planning skills through obstacle courses and movement-based activities

• Promotes better body awareness and balance

Speech and Language Delays

• Improves oral motor skills through structured exercises

• Supports sensory feedback for clearer speech production

• Improves breath control and vocal tone through sensory techniques

• Promotes better communication through structured therapy activities

• Strengthens coordination between breathing and speech

Sensory Processing Deficits and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often struggle with sensory processing issues that affect their ability to participate in daily activities and communicate.

Hypersensitivity and Hyposensitivity in Children with ASDs

• Hypersensitivity: Overreaction to sounds, lights and textures

• Hyposensitivity: seeking excessive sensory input through movement or tactile exploration

• SIT helps to regulate sensory experiences and make the environment more controllable

• Improves self-regulation through gradual desensitisation of overstimulated senses

• Improves daily functioning through controlled sensory input

Behavioural Challenges Associated with Sensory Processing Deficits

• Manifests as avoidance behaviour, aggression or withdrawal

• SIT introduces structured sensory play to improve engagement

• Supports calming techniques to reduce outbursts

• Teaches adaptive coping mechanisms for sensory overload

• Helps children to have more control over their environment

Motor Skills, Balance, and Coordination Issues

• Improves gross and fine motor coordination through structured movement activities

• Uses swings, climbing and balance exercises to improve body awareness

• Strengthens core muscles for better posture and stability

• Develops motor planning and sequencing skills

• Promotes self- confidence in physical activities and sports

Techniques in Sensory Integration Therapy for Children

Sensory integration therapy uses evidence-based techniques to improve sensory processing, motor coordination and emotional regulation in children with sensory issues.

Play-Based Activities

• Uses structured play to improve sensory regulation

• Encourages interactive play for better social engagement

• Strengthens hand-eye coordination through tactile exploration

• Helps develop problem-solving skills through creative activities

• Supports the improvement of motor skills through guided sensory experiences

Swinging and Spinning

• Stimulates the vestibular system for better balance and coordination

• Helps regulate sensory input in children with movement sensitivity

• Promotes self-regulation through controlled movement activities

• Strengthens core muscles and postural stability

• Reduces sensory behaviour in children with hyperactivity

Deep Pressure Activities

• Provides calming sensory input through weighted blankets and compression vests

• Improves body awareness and self-regulation

• Helps reduce anxiety and episodes of sensory overload

• Promotes a sense of security and emotional balance

• Supports better sleep patterns in children with sensory sensitivities

Brushing Protocol

• Uses sensory brushing techniques to reduce tactile defensiveness

• Improves the comfort of daily touch experiences

• Improves tactile awareness for better sensory regulation

• Promotes gradual desensitisation to touch-based stimuli

• Supports better body awareness skills

Therapeutic Listening

• Uses filtered music to improve auditory processing

• Improves focus and concentration

• Supports calming strategies for children with noise sensitivity

• Improves listening skills through structured sound exposure

• Helps children become accustomed to auditory stimuli in daily life

Visual Stimulation

• Uses colour contrast and light therapy for visual processing

• Encourages eye exercises to improve concentration

• Supports visual-motor coordination

• Improves depth perception through structured activities

• Helps children to process visual input more effectively

Oral Motor Activities

• Supports the coordination of speech and feeding

• Strengthens the mouth muscles through blowing and sucking

• Improves jaw control for better speech production

• Promotes better sensory feedback when eating

• Helps children deal with oral sensitivities

Tactile Activities

• Introduces different textures to improve sensory tolerance

• Encourages exploratory play to desensitise tactile defensiveness

• Supports fine motor development through tactile manipulation

• Improves sensory feedback in hands and feet

• Helps children to comfortably engage with different surfaces

Environmental Modifications

• Sensory-friendly lighting and noise control

• Promotes structured classroom set-up to reduce overstimulation

• Supports adapted seating for better posture and concentration

• Improves comfort in the daily environment

• Helps children feel safer in different environments

Motor Planning Activities

• Promotes sequencing skills through obstacle courses

• Supports gross motor coordination through planned movement sequences

• Improves body awareness for better movement execution

• Develops balance and stability through progressive motor tasks

• Helps children plan and execute physical tasks effectively

Calming and Relaxation Techniques

• Encourages guided meditation for emotion regulation

• Supports self-soothing techniques for overstimulation

• Helps children transition smoothly from one activity to the next

• Improves overall relaxation through structured routines

Finding Sensory Integration Therapy Services Near You

Are you looking for sensory integration therapy near you? Cadabam's CDC offers professionally guided sensory therapy programmes that help children acquire critical sensory skills.

Book an appointment today!

Meet Our Expert Therapists for Sensory Integration Therapy

What to Expect in a Sensory Integration Therapy Session

SIT works with other therapies, such as speech, behavioural, and occupational therapy, to help children build effective coping strategies.

This teamwork focuses on a well-rounded approach to their development, ensuring they receive better sensory regulation and valuable support for their cognitive and emotional needs.

Integrating Sensory Integration Therapy with Other Interventions

SIT works with other therapies, such as speech, behavioural, and occupational therapy, to help children build effective coping strategies.

This teamwork focuses on a well-rounded approach to their development, ensuring they receive better sensory regulation and valuable support for their cognitive and emotional needs.

Combining with Behavioural Therapies

SIT complements applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy by regulating sensory-induced behaviours. It promotes self-regulation and provides sensory-friendly reinforcement strategies to support emotional and impulse control.

Role of Schools in Sensory Therapy Support

Schools play a key role in sensory adaptations with sensory-friendly classrooms to reduce overstimulation.

Teachers are advised to set up movement breaks and quiet rooms. SIT strategies improve concentration, participation and interaction with peers along with promoting Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for tailored support for the child.

Parental Involvement and Home Strategies

Parents reinforce sensory integration therapy at home by setting up sensory friendly rooms improves regulation.

Using weighted blankets or sensory toys promotes relaxation. Structured playtimes promote sensory processing and routine-based approaches promote adaptability and independence.

Supporting Children’s Development with Sensory Integration Therapy at Cadabam’s CDC

Cadabam’s CDC offers specialised sensory integration therapy to help children better regulate their sensory and motor skills and improve their emotional resilience.

Our team of trained therapists use structured interventions to improve sensory processing and help children become more comfortable with everyday activities, build self-confidence and develop long-term coping strategies for sensory challenges.