Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT)

What is a Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and respond more effectively to sensory information. Originally developed to support children with sensory processing disorders, particularly those on the autism spectrum, SIT focuses on enhancing the brain’s ability to organize and interpret stimuli from the environment.

Sensory processing is the way our nervous system takes in, processes, and reacts to sensory data. This therapy aims to help people who struggle with sensory processing control how they react to sensory information and enhance their capacity to engage in daily activities.

Both children and adults may experience sensory processing issues, which can affect social relationships, academic achievement, and self-care abilities, among other areas of everyday living. Numerous illnesses, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental delays, and sensory processing disorder, can cause these challenges.

The work of neuroscientist and occupational therapist Dr. A. Jean Ayres, who developed the idea of sensory integration, serves as the foundation for sensory integration treatment. Ayres asserts that for the brain to create a precise impression of the surroundings, sensory data from multiple sources must be processed and integrated.

The brain may not properly process or integrate sensory data in those who have sensory processing disorders, which can cause problems with organization, discrimination, and modulation.

Fundamentals of Sensory Integration Therapy:

The intervention procedure in sensory integration therapy is guided by several guiding concepts. Among the fundamental ideas of sensory integration therapy are the following:

• Sensory processing is vital for everyday functioning: People need sensory processing in order to study, interact with others, and take part in leisure activities, among other everyday activities.
• The brain is capable of reorganizing and adapting in response to new experiences and inputs. The goal of sensory integration treatment is to enhance sensory integration and processing by encouraging constructive alterations in the brain’s neural connections.
• It is crucial to actively engage in sensory experiences. To enhance their capacity to process and integrate sensory data, people need to actively participate in sensory encounters. The goal of sensory integration therapy is to give people the chance to participate in stimulating and meaningful sensory experiences.
• Therapy is guided by each person’s own sensory profile: Every person has a distinct sensory profile, with varying sensory processing strengths and difficulties. The sensory demands and objectives of each individual are catered for in sensory integration therapy.
• The intervention must be gradual and customized: To encourage beneficial changes in sensory processing, sensory integration therapy uses a gradual and customized approach, introducing and modifying activities and interventions over time.
• Generalization of daily activities is crucial: Improving a person’s capacity to carry out daily tasks is the ultimate aim of sensory integration treatment. Therapy must encourage the generalization of sensory processing abilities to a range of contexts and activities in order to accomplish this.

The basic concepts of sensory integration therapy place a strong emphasis on recognizing and meeting each person’s particular sensory processing needs, encouraging active participation in sensory experiences, and encouraging the transfer of acquired skills to everyday situations. Therapists can assist people enhance their sensory integration and processing abilities and, in turn, their quality of life by adhering to these principles.

The efficacy of sensory integration treatment:

The usefulness of sensory integration therapy as a treatment for ASDs is limited and unclear, despite scientific studies demonstrating that children with ASDs are more likely to have sensory-processing issues. The effectiveness of the therapy thus far has mostly been determined by individual experiences, but this does not imply that it may not be beneficial for certain kids.

Talk with the pediatrician of your child if you think they may have sensory processing issues. For further evaluation, community options might be offered.

How does sensory integration treatment work?

The first step in sensory integration treatment was thoroughly evaluating a child’s environmental sensitivity. This evaluation also includes standard testing, a health history, observations in a clinical setting, and interviews with the child’s parents or other caregivers.

The objectives are to identify areas where a child’s sensory knowledge is deficient and determine which therapies will best enable them to respond and adapt to their environment.

The SI therapist will assess the following during the examination:

• Body placement concerning environment and objects
• Current sensory-seeking practices
• Hand-eye coordination
• Changing
• Praxis, or motor planning
• Perception of movement
• Action planning and sequencing
• Response to textures, noises, and touch
• Play and spontaneous action
• Eye movement and visual perception

Activities that promote structured reactions to a specific sensory input will be the major focus of the SI therapist’s treatment plan. Children can learn and participate in the process because activities are repeated and ongoing throughout the day. They get an understanding of how the senses function together, learn how to control their own reactions, and become at ease with sensations.

For the youngster, SI therapy is frequently regarded as a “fun activity.” Allowing children to explore in a free setting that enables them to formulate well-organized interpretations and responses is the goal of SI treatment. For instance, a child who finds rough surfaces uncomfortable could play with rice grains to become accustomed to their texture, which will help them feel less uncomfortable.

When the child comprehends the importance of the result sufficiently to consistently apply the acquired technique, sensory integration therapy eventually proves to be effective.

Different goals could include:

Hearing, or auditory

• Drums, pianos, guitars, keyboards, and tambourines are among the instruments.
• Appliances: microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, and lawnmower
• Chimes, instruments, and radio music
• Repeating drums, rap, and clocks
• Water features include waterfalls, faucets, waves, and fountains.

Olfactory: the sense of smell

• Air fresheners: sachets, lavender, and potpourri
• Using incense and candles for aromatherapy
• Cooking and baking: pork, onions, cabbage, bread, cookies, and stews
• Cosmetics such as lotions, powders, and fragrances
• Areas like changing rooms, kitchens, parking spaces, and locker rooms
• Plants and flowers make up the vegetation.

Oral-taste

• Candies that are sour, soft, firm, and licorice
• Blue, cottage, cheddar, and feta cheese
• The condiments include peanut butter, honey, jelly, and spice.
• Fruits: bananas, blackberries, strawberries, and grapes
• Hot and cold foods include things like soups and popsicles.
• Products made with milk: ice cream, milkshakes, and yogurt

Processing of proprioception

• balancing on a beam or the floor
• Crawling in tunnels
• Dancing
• Striking balls
• Bouncing and jumping
• Playing in boxes with beans and balls
• On a mat, rolling or crawling
• On chairs, spinning
• Swinging

Somatosensory or tactile touch

• Hard: flooring, countertops, and rock
• Static, pliable, moldable, bendable, and breakable interaction
• Things: bolts, rice, beans, and beads
• The following are examples of pressure: push, pull, hold, tickle, rub, claw, squeeze, and press
• Feathers, fur, and cotton balls are soft.
• Picky, sticky, rough, pointed, and smooth surfaces
• Sand, water, and paint textures
• Blender, hair dryer, and hair blower vibrating

Processing in the vestibular system

• Headshakes, handstands, and sliding somersaults
• Swinging on a rope, swings, or in a blanket
• Tossing a ball
• Rapid head turns to the left and right
• Walk unsupported from heel to toe.

Vision

• Strobe, holiday, flashing, colored, and strung lights
• Papers with patterns, neon, and fluorescent

The SI therapist will monitor a child’s development to ensure that they are accomplishing a pre-established goal. A youngster should become more at ease with formerly upsetting stimuli after completing SI therapy.

Who is the target audience for sensory integration therapy?

Although parents and other caregivers can benefit from sensory integration treatment, children are the main beneficiaries.

Therapists help kids deal with these problems that, at first, might seem insurmountable by using appropriate treatment techniques. Treatment that helps children develop the mental and physical framework of their central nervous system to appropriately acquire sensory input, track their reactions, and recognize the significance of specific textures, motions, or noises is the key to success.

To get the most out of various therapies, a kid needs to be trained in all of these skills.

The following are some benefits of sensory integration therapy:

• To fully understand action and result
• Recognize sensory input correctly
• Establish physical balance and a feeling of space.
• Establish constructive behavioral patterns
• Eliminate fear and promote sociability and play.
• Reduce your sensitivity to sensory defenses
• Cut down on input intolerance
• Minimize adverse bodily responses

Sensory integration therapy is also beneficial to parents and other caregivers because it teaches them how to engage with their kids in unique ways, which greatly strengthens their bond.

A child’s tone, or capacity to regulate brain impulses so they can appropriately respond to stimuli, is also enhanced by SI therapy. SI treatment frequently has both psychological and physical advantages.

The following are some physical advantages of therapy:

• Strike a balance between being overly and underly responsive.
• Gravitational security
• Coordination of the hands and eyes
• Better motor planning 
• Better sleep patterns
• Development of Language
• Position

SI treatment has the following psychological advantages:

• Increase Confidence and Attention
• Improve irritability and emotional outbursts
• Boost Procrastination, 
• Boost Moodiness, 
• Boost Restlessness
• Boost Socialization

Indications of Sensory Integration Therapy:

People who struggle to process and react correctly to sensory input may benefit from sensory integration therapy. The following are some possible particular indications for sensory integration therapy:

• The disease known as sensory processing dysfunction is characterized by difficulties in processing and reacting to sensory input. To help people with sensory processing disorders better process and integrate sensory information, sensory integration therapy may be recommended.
• Autism spectrum disorder: Hypersensitivity to specific stimuli is one of the sensory processing issues that many people with autism spectrum disorder experience. To help people with autism spectrum conditions better control their sensory input and enhance their general functioning, sensory integration treatment may be recommended.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): People with ADHD may struggle to regulate and process their senses, which can impact their behavior and attention. In order to help people with ADHD better control their sensory input and enhance their behavior and attention, sensory integration treatment may be recommended.
• Developmental delays: Sensory processing issues may impact the general development of certain children who have developmental delays. These kids may benefit from sensory integration treatment in order to enhance their integration and sensory processing abilities, which will ultimately aid in their general development.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): People who have had a TBI may struggle to integrate and absorb sensory information, which can impact their general functioning. To enhance their general functioning and ability to process and integrate sensory information, people with TBI may benefit from sensory integration therapy.

People with a variety of illnesses or difficulties that impair their capacity to comprehend and react to sensory information may benefit from sensory integration therapy. To ascertain whether sensory integration treatment is suitable for a person’s unique requirements and objectives, it is crucial to consult with a licensed occupational therapist.

Contraindications of Sensory Integration Therapy:

Although many people find sensory integration treatment to be very helpful, there are several situations or contraindications where it could not be appropriate or even detrimental. The following are a few possible contraindications to sensory integration therapy:

• Acute sickness or medical condition: Sensory integration treatment might not be suitable until the patient’s health is stabilized if they are suffering from an acute illness or medical condition that could be made worse by sensory input or physical exercise.
• Seizure disorder: People with seizure disorders may experience seizures if sensory integration therapy includes flashing lights or fast movement. To reduce the risk of seizures in such situations, sensory integration therapy should be avoided or adjusted.
• Sensory aversion: For some people, sensory integration therapy may be too much to handle and upsetting because of their extreme sensory aversions. Therapy may need to be adjusted in these situations, or other strategies may need to be employed.
• Psychiatric condition: People who have serious emotional or behavioral issues or severe psychiatric illnesses might not be able to handle sensory integration therapy or could need more help and supervision throughout treatment.
• Sensory overload: Some people may struggle to control their sensory input or may already be experiencing sensory overload. In certain situations, sensory integration therapy might not be suitable and could need to be postponed until the patient’s abilities to regulate their senses have improved.

To ascertain whether therapy is suitable for a person’s unique requirements and objectives and to guarantee that therapy is carried out safely and successfully, Working with a professional occupational therapist who has been trained in sensory integration treatment is essential. Before creating a treatment plan, therapists will thoroughly assess each patient’s capacity for sensory processing as well as any contraindications.

A disadvantage of Sensory Integration Therapy:

For those who struggle with sensory processing, sensory integration therapy (SIT) may be helpful, but there may be certain drawbacks or restrictions to take into account. These consist of:

• Limited evidence: Despite SIT’s widespread use, its efficacy is not well supported by the available data. To completely comprehend the advantages of SIT for those with sensory processing disorders, more research is required.
• Time-consuming: Because SIT frequently calls for several sessions spread out over a long period, it can be a time-consuming therapy.
• Cost: Some people may find SIT sessions less accessible due to their high cost and potential lack of insurance coverage.
• Requirement for specific training: Only licensed therapists with specific training in SIT should administer the method. Because of this, access may be challenging for some people or in some places.
• Discomfort or overstimulation: SIT may cause discomfort or overstimulation for certain people, especially those who are highly sensitive to particular kinds of sensory input.
• Not appropriate for everyone: SIT should be used cautiously in some situations and may not be appropriate for people with specific medical conditions or sensory processing problems.

To completely grasp whether SIT is the best course of treatment for a person’s unique requirements and circumstances, it is crucial to go over any potential drawbacks or restrictions with a licensed therapist.

Intervention of Sensory Integration Therapy:

A type of occupational therapy called sensory integration therapy is designed to assist people who struggle to properly interpret and react to sensory information. The following actions are commonly included in the sensory integration therapy intervention:

• Assessment: Using clinical observation and standardized tests, the therapist will first evaluate the patient’s capacity for sensory processing. This will assist in determining the precise sensory difficulties the person is experiencing and guide the creation of a therapy strategy.
• Treatment planning: The therapist will create a personalized treatment plan based on the evaluation results, taking into account the individual’s unique requirements and objectives. A variety of exercises and therapies may be included in the treatment plan in order to address the patient’s difficulties with sensory processing.
• A personalized combination of exercises and techniques that a person might employ to control their sensory intake throughout the day is known as a sensory diet. To create a sensory diet that suits the patient’s requirements and preferences, the therapist will collaborate with the patient and their family.
• Activities for sensory integration: A variety of activities are used in sensory integration therapy to assist patients in processing and reacting to sensory data in a suitable manner. Swinging, bouncing on a therapy ball, manipulating tactile materials, and other exercises intended to arouse various senses are a few examples of these activities.
• Exposure to sensory stimuli over time: People might occasionally become hypersensitive to particular stimuli. In order to help the patient desensitize and become more accustomed to the stimuli, sensory integration treatment may entail exposing them to them progressively in a safe and regulated setting.
• Involvement of parents and caregivers: Parents and caregivers are frequently heavily involved in sensory integration treatment. To aid in their personal development, they might be requested to take part in therapy sessions or to use sensory techniques and exercises at home.

A variety of exercises and interventions are used in sensory integration therapy, a highly customized approach, to address each person’s unique sensory processing difficulties. A licensed occupational therapist usually provides the therapy in a controlled and encouraging setting.

Conclusion

A therapeutic strategy for people who struggle with sensory processing is sensory integration therapy. In a sensory-rich setting, the therapy offers chances for people to participate in therapeutic and structured sensory experiences.

In both children and adults with neurological disorders, the therapy seeks to enhance sensory processing skills and lessen sensory-related challenges. Discuss with a healthcare professional the potential inclusion of sensory integration therapy in a treatment plan if you or a loved one struggles with sensory processing.

FAQs

References

• Ms, E. L. (2022, September 23). How Does Sensory Integration Therapy Work? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/sensory-integration-therapy
• Nehaphysiotherapist. (2022, December 4). Sensory Integration Therapy – Technique, Benefits – Mobile Physio. Mobile Physiotherapy Clinic. https://mobilephysiotherapyclinic.in/sensory-integration-technique/
• Vaghela, M. (2023b, March 11). Sensory integration therapy – Principles, Indication – Samarpan. Samarpan Physiotherapy Clinic. https://samarpanphysioclinic.com/sensory-integration-therapy/