Sensory Integration

Sensory Integration Therapy looks at an individual childs sensory needs and stimulates those areas of the brain in order to regulate sensory processing and affect a childs ability to interact with his or her environment. Oftentimes the modalities used for sensory integration include stimulating the tactile system through touch, vestibular system through swinging/bouncing, or proprioceptive system through crashing!, "oint compression, or weighted vests/blankets.

$haracteristics of %estibular &ysfunction

Vestibular input has an impact on arousal. Too much vestibular input may lead to over' arousal and too little vestibular input may lead to under'arousal. Hypersensitive: The child who is hypersensitive to vestibular input is more responsive to sensory input and will avoid movement. The child might( o be fearful of moving e)uipment o be fearful of simple challenges to balance o may appear lethargic o may appear to have low muscle tone

o may avoid active play Hyposensitive: The child who is hyposensitive to vestibular input is less responsive to sensory input and will seek movement. The child might( o appear to need to move o en"oy busy, energetic activities o appear to be in constant motion o en"oy movement o spin, whirl, or bounce fre)uently

#.#.# Tips for *roviding %estibular Input

Slow, rhythmical, predictable movement is calming. +or e,ample, swinging, rocking, walking, or slow, gentle spinning in one direction. -uick, arrhythmical, unpredictable movement is arousing. +or e,ample, "umping, bouncing, running, playground activities like the teeter totter, slide or climber, sports and games like hopscotch, soccer, hockey or tag. Supervise and monitor activities as overload! of the nervous system can occur. Signs of overload include irregular breathing, colour change, sweating, pallor, increased an,iety, change in sleep patterns, etc. .n activity should be stopped immediately if the child shows any signs of distress and/or discomfort. $onsultation with an Occupational Therapist is recommended.

Source: Geneva Centre for Autism 112 Merton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2Z8 Tel: (416) 322-7877 Toll Free: 1-866-Gene a-! Fa": (416) 322-#8!4 $$$%auti&'%net