What is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory integration is how we perceive information through our senses, organize it, and use it to participate in everyday activities. Let’s take an example.When a child is given food:

• They smell the food as they bring it to their mouth
• Taste the food
• Feel the texture of the food
• Determine what the food is and if they want more.

However, some children (and adults) with autism may face difficulty filtering sensory information at a level where it starts interfering with their daily lives leaving them feeling overwhelmed, uncomfortable and painful. Sensory integration therapy helps your child cope with difficulties processing sensory input. These therapy sessions are play-oriented and may include equipment such as swings, trampolines, and slides.

Outcomes of Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory Integration therapy can benefit children in several ways, including:

• Modulation of sensory systems
• Self-regulations
• Improve their functionality in school, home, and community
• Maximize their functional ability to perform daily and recreational activities
• Enhanced motor planning ability
• Active involvement and exploration of the environment
• Effective organization of sensory information

Neuro Development Training

Neuro Development Training (NDT) is a type of therapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of movement disorders, particularly those related to the central nervous system. The goal of NDT is to help individuals with movement disorders improve their motor skills, balance, coordination, and overall functional abilities. NDT is typically used to treat individuals with movement disorders related to conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions. The therapy involves a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s movement patterns, muscle tone, and overall functional abilities. Some common techniques used in NDT include:

• Guided movements and positioning to help the individual achieve more efficient and effective movement patterns
• Sensory stimulation to promote body awareness and improve muscle tone
• Task-specific training to help the individual improve their ability to perform functional activities
• Adaptations to the environment or equipment to promote independence and safety

Hand Writing Training

Handwriting training is a common intervention used in occupational therapy to help children improve their handwriting skills. Occupational therapists can work with children who struggle with handwriting due to various reasons, such as poor fine motor skills, visual-perceptual deficits, poor spatial awareness, and difficulty with letter formation and spacing. The handwriting training provided by occupational therapists can include various activities and strategies, depending on the child’s needs and abilities. Some common interventions used in handwriting training include:

• Fine motor exercises development
• Handwriting practice
• Visual perceptual training