Sensory Integration
Sensory integration issues comprise a multitude of problems relating not so much to misperception but to the inability to use perceptions to synthesize appropriate impressions and actions. The single best concise introduction and discussion is found in the article, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, by Sandra Nelson.
Some of the signs of a sensory integration problem include:
Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
Under-reactive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
Fearful of heights or moving playground equipment
No apparent awareness of dangers (lack of appropriate fear)
Easily distracted
Social and/or emotional problems
Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
Impulsive, lacking in self control
Difficulty making transitions from one situation to another
Inability to unwind or calm self
Poor organization of behavior
Poor self concept
Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
Delays in academic achievementChildren with SI problems may have just some of these characteristics and the degree to which they exhibit them may vary. Again, the important thing in determining a problem is how much it interferes with their life and how it affects their self-esteem.
Southpaw Enterprises provides a source for a variety of therapeutic products for children with integration issues.
Sensory Integration Resource Center provides a rationale for and a guide to beginning home therapy.
"The Out-of-Sync Child" by Carol Stock Kranowitz is an excellent text. It describes what sensory integration is and explains how problems with handling sensory input can manifest themselves. Discussions of the three categories of sensory function are provided - tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive - along with examples of children who have difficulties with these sensory functions in a preschool or home setting. Several very useful checklists are provided to help you determine if you child has any of these sensory integration problems. The book concludes with a lengthy description of exercises and activities that a parent or therapist can do with a child to assist them in becoming less bothered by sensory issues. Parents, teachers and therapists will find the diagnostic checklists of sensory dysfunction and the sensory integration activities to be extremely beneficial.
