Few health professionals are aware of the use and benefits of the Sensory Integration technique, and it’s no wonder, as it was described in 1972. Its creator, Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist and doctor in educational psychology, dedicated her career to studying the neurophysiological behavior of sensory stimuli within the brain, thus developing the theory of assessment and intervention in sensory integration.
Sensory Integration Technique
In Sensory Integration and the Child: Understanding Hidden Sensory Challenge written by Ayres, she defines this technique as “the organization of sensations for use” and explains that every second our body receives sensory information from the environments around us. The importance of sensory integration is critical since this information is processed by the central nervous system, generating responses to the received stimuli. When these responses are not in line with the sensory input received, we are facing a sensory integration disorder.
Based on theories of neuroscience and neurodevelopment, sensory integration works on seven sensory systems, emphasizing the vestibular system, the proprioceptive, and the tactile. Ayres was the one who demonstrated that the adequate development of these three systems is the basis for proper development in children.
From approximately the fifth week of gestation (when the first responses to tactile sensory stimuli begin to occur) and up to the seventh year of life, the maturation of sensory systems takes place, allowing the child to develop sensorimotor, cognitive, and intellectual skills that will serve as a basis for optimal performance in play, school activities, and basic activities of daily living.
Alterations in Sensory Integration
When one or more systems present alterations in the normal maturation process, sensory integration disorders occur, conceptualized by Ayres in 1976 as “a heterogeneous group of disorders that reflect the dysfunction of one or more systems simultaneously, of sub-cortical or neuronal order, that disturb human behavior.” These dysfunctions generate high levels of stress, frustration, aversion, or rejection in activities that involve the processing of sensory stimuli. Consequently, the child’s occupational functions in their usual contexts are altered, as they often do not feel capable of successfully meeting daily demands.
Sensory Integration Disorders
Sensory integration processing disorders are divided into five main categories that allow for easier understanding of the technique:
Sensory Registration Disorders
The individual does not register the sensory stimulus or registers it slowly, giving a delayed response.
Sensory Modulation Disorders
Responses are inconsistent with the stimulus provided. They can be exaggerated (hyper-responses) or very subtle (hypo-responses).
Discrimination and Perception Problems
Failures to differentiate spatial and temporal relationships between stimuli.
Vestibular Processing Disorders
Difficulties in processing vestibular stimuli. Failures in righting and balance.
Dyspraxias
Difficulty in planning and executing motor acts. Not associated with diagnoses.
The Importance of Sensory Integration
It is important to note that the diagnosis and intervention of sensory processing disorders are the responsibility of the occupational therapist specializing in this technique. However, teachers, psychologists, doctors, physiotherapists, or other pediatric health and education professionals play an important role in the identification of behaviors that may lead to sensory integration disorders. This would allow for appropriate referrals and achieve early diagnosis and intervention. Specialization in this field is key with adequate training