What is Sensory Integration?

Children with sensory integration dysfunction frequently experience problems with their sense of touch, smell, hearing, taste and/or sight. Along with this they often face difficulties in movement, coordination, and sensing where one’s body is in a given space. This is a common disorder for individuals with neurological conditions such as an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individuals may be overly sensitive to certain textures, sounds, smells and tastes, while wearing certain fabrics, tasting certain foods or normal everyday sounds may cause discomfort.

The opposite is also possible – for example, a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder may feel little pain or actually enjoys sensations that a Neurotypical children would dislike: strong smells, intense color unpleasant tastes. The brain seems unable to balance the senses appropriately in cases of Sensory Integration Dysfunction. A specially designed room is used for therapy sessions, to stimulate and challenge all the senses. During the session, therapist works closely with the child to encourage muscle movement.