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Sensory Integration
Terms
Sensory integration: process by which the brain organizes our sensory experiences to enable us to act on and
interact with the environment. It is the center of all intellectual, social and emotional interactions. In short, our
senses tell us about the world around us.
Key point: developed through practice and experience!
Neurological pathways
Neurological pathways are constantly being created
When a child has a new experience, connections are being made between the dendrites and axons of various
neurons in the brain (Cheatum and Hammond 31)
Sensory Integration
For most children, going about daily life, touching an object, feeling a hand on ones shoulder, swinging on a
swing, etc. are pleasurable experiences.
Hypersensitivity
For some, these sensations are not pleasant and may even cause fear or flight. These children are said to be
hypersensitive to sensory stimuli, such as touch, movement, sights and sound.
Sometimes they exhibit tactile defensiveness, or a desire to keep people from touching them.
Also referred to as sensation avoidance.
Hyposensitivity
Other kids have trouble registering or feeling sensory stimuli
They may constantly make noise, fidget in their seats, touch everything, chew on everything, etc.
Also referred to as sensation seeking.
OT and Sensory Integration
Tactile
Nerves under the skin send messages to the brain
Dysfunctions: sensation seeking or sensation avoidance
Particular about clothes or foods
Visual Perception (80%!)
Discrimination
Figure-ground
Depth perception

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Depth perception
Tracking
Auditory Perception
Discrimination
Directionality
Figure ground
Kinesthetic Awareness
Body awareness
Proprioceptors
Laterality
Directionality
Vestibular System
Provides information about the relation of the head to the rest of the body
Balance: static and dynamic
Dysfunction
Remediation Strategies for Movement Activities
Could it be...
Perception problem?
Inadequate past experiences?
Lack of a physical pre-requisite?
Images
http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/NationalGeographic/1095092?$product320x320$
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Swing.jpg
Video