Home |  About Us |  Contact |  Resources |  Viewpoints

Sensory Integration is a normal process by which the sensory systems provide information about our bodies and the world around us. The brain and the rest of the nervous system takes that information and organizes it so that we can learn, move, and behave normally. This is sensory processing or sensory integration.

Sensory Integrative Dysfunction is a disorder of the organization and processing of sensory information. It is due to an irregularity or disorder in brain function. Many people with sensory integrative dysfunction have difficulties in learning and behavior. This impacts on several areas of daily life.

When the normal process of sensory integration is not efficient we label it sensory integration dysfunction. This simply means that parts of this processing system are not providing information reliably. Sensory integration dysfunction can interfere with an individual's ability to attend, develop motor skills, regulate behavior and organize tasks, complete self care skills (ie. dressing, eating), develop visual and auditory processing, and to feel comfortable in the environment.

Sensory integratin dysfunction is usually evaluated by an occupational therapist who is certified in the interpretation and administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT). Treatment consists of specifically prescribed activities designed to assist in the integration of the various sensory systems, compensation techniques to help integrate sensory information on a daily basis, home program activities for carryover of treatment, and modifications to home, workplace, or classroom to help the individual adapt to sensory demands.

For further information