S

Sensory integration
an Introduction

Amit Kochhar
Occupational therapy
Student
Sensory Integaration theory
SI theory was given by Dr. A. Jean Ayres (1920-1988)
The theory describes the way in which the brain works
as a whole with the objective of improving functional
ability
The development of the theory was originally based on
work with learning disabled children.
Dr. Ayres anticipated that as our understanding of the
central nervous system advanced, our understanding of
the neurological basis of sensory integration theory,
assessment, and intervention would become more
refined.
What is Sensory Integration?
SI is the neurological process that organizes sensation
from one’s own body and from the environment and
makes it possible to use the body effectively in the
environment.
The spatial and temporal aspect of inputs from
different sensory modalities are interpreted, associated
and unified. Sensory integration is information
processing. (Ayres, 1989a, p.11)
Basic Assumptions
1. The remarkable potential for change of the
developing brain, or neuroplasticity, which has
recently been found to be true of the adult brain as
well,
2. Interactions between the “higher-order” (cortical)
areas of the brain and those in the “lower” subcortical
areas as fundamental to adequate sensory
integration,
3. Neurophysiological development of sensory
integrative functions that occur in a natural order and
follow a basic sequence
Basic Assumptions
4. An adaptive response, which is “the ability to
adjust one's action upon environmental demand”
(Ayres, 1972, p. 8) and promotes a higher level of
integration as a consequence of the feedback to the
central nervous system
5. Presence of an inner drive to meet and master a
challenge, which fosters the development of sensory
integration
Ayres' flowchart
Sensory Integration dysfunction
Studies suggest that sensory integrative dysfunction is
not a single disorder but a spectrum of disorders
(Parham & Mailloux, 2005) related to the following
processes:
 Sensory Modulation (combination of facilitatory and
inhibitory messages produces modulation, which is the
nervous system's process of self-organization)
 Sensory Discrimination (Sensory discrimination is the
interpretation of sensory information that allows you to
know efficiently and accurately where your body is, where
other people are, and details about the environment from
multiple sensory channels)
 Praxis (Praxis is the ability to conceptualize, plan, and
execute skilled tasks)
Areas requiring Sensory Integaration
Sensory integration is emerging very rapidly as the problems
related with sensory integration disorders are increasing day by
day.
SI is needed for various problems involving sensory processing
dysfunctions e.g.
 ADD
 PDD
 ADHD
 ASD
 Autism
 Learning disabilities
 Cortical and cerebeller lesions
 Neurological disorders
 Behavioral disorders
 Amputations……. And list goes on
Areas requiring Sensory Integaration
SI

Paediatrics

Neurolo School
gy setup

Rehab
Sensory Integration Unit
By the term "sensory room“ or “Sensory Integration
Unit”, we are talking about a specific room, with
specific sensory equipment and activities, to benefit
specific sensory processing difficulties.
Sensory room is to calm or stimulate an individual
through each of the senses.
Various equipments could be used in the SI unit to
deal with various Sensory processing disorders. They
are discussed in the following slides.
Sensory Integration Equipments
For tactile inputs:
 tactile toys and balls
 textured walls and materials
 textured puzzles and books
 surgical brushes (if prescribed the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol)
 vibrating toys and vibrating baby seats
 vibrating mattresses, vibrating pillows , and play mats or vibrating stuffed animals
 vibrating recliners, chair, or mats
 vibrating teethers and oral massagers
 vibrating hairbrush or vibrating toothbrush
 "Koosh" balls, wigglers, and squishy balls
 shaving cream or Funny Foam
 sand and water tables
 "Bumble Ball"
 ball pits and ball pools
 textured bean bags
 vibrating pens
 "Somatron" vibrating mats and cloud chairs
 tactile mats
Sensory Integration Equipments
For vestibular inputs
bolster swings
glider rockers
hammock swings or relax chairs
riding toys, bikes and scooters
rocking toys
jolly jumpers
tire swings, sling swings, toddler swings and swingsets
jumpolenes and backyard bouncers
"Dizzy Disc" zip lines and backyard trolleys
sea saws
glider swings
"Airwalker"
"frog swing“ ,"biorbital accelerator" swing,
dual swings, spring swings, "moon swing", disc swing, and/or tube swings
"Sit 'n Spin"
rocker boards
balance boards and balance beams
Sensory Integration Equipments
 Proprioceptive Inputs
 pogo sticks
 weighted vests, weighted blankets, and shorts
 wrist, ankle, shoe and/or finger weights
 scooter boards
 play tunnels
 jungle gyms , indoor rock walls
 "Hippity Hop" , trampolines
 Jump rope
 therapy balls
 "Theraputty" or silly putty
 weighted balls ("medicine balls")
 pegboards
 “T-Stool"
 crash pits
 net climbers
 push toys
 squeeze toys
Sensory Integration Equipments
Visual Inputs
 Color cubes,
 fiber optic light sources,
 rope lights, and/or
 low wattage pastel colored
 light bulbs
 play tents/huts,
 lava lamps, 
 bubble columns,
 wall water fountains (or tabletop),
 liquid light projectors
Sensory Integration Equipments
Oral Input
 vibrating teethers
 vibrating toothbrushes
 blow toys
 whistles musical instruments (real or play ones)
 rubber tubing (dip it into flavored foods or drinks if you want)
 sweet, sour, spicy, chewy foods and gum
 "Nuk toothbrush"
 textured spoons
 straws with thick drinks
 "Blow Darts"
 "Blo-pens"
 party favor blowers
 kazoos
 facial and oral massagers
 "Z-vibes"
 "Jigglers"
Sensory Integration Equipments
Auditory Input
 sound therapy
 guided imagery tapes/cd's
 relaxation tapes/cd's
 classical music
 nature sound machines
 heartbeat sounds stuffed animals and/or blankets
 metronomes
 self-hypnosis programs (downloadable)
 Musical toys
Sensory Integration Equipments
Olfactory inputs
 scented oils,
 scented candles
 aroma diffusers, 
 scented markers,
 scented playdoh, toys,
 scented stuffed animals or blankets,
 scented neck wraps, eye masks,
 scented potpouri and sprays

Calming scents: Stimulating scents

•vanilla, •cinnamon,
•lavender, •strong sweet
•peppermint, or •sour smells,
•jasmine •floral scents, or spices.
Sensory Integration Equipments
Sensory Integration Equipments
Sensory Integration Equipments
Sensory Integration Equipments