Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
Sensory Integration | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
My 32-month-old has been diagnosed with "sensory integration" issues, specifically related to audio/tactile. Could you give me a simple definition of this phrase, which is new to me?— Coll in NY, NY | | | ANSWER |
February 26, 2002 | | | Dear Coll,
Sensory integration is a theory to explain certain developmental and behavioral problems some children have, and it is also a series of therapies, mostly administered by occupational therapists, to treat those problems. The theory of sensory integration was developed by an occupational therapist named Jean Ayres. She has written several books. One called Sensory Integration and the Child is written for parents (to find it check your library--or a bookstore near you or online).
The basic idea behind sensory integration is that people use information from all of their senses in order to respond to the world. We take in sights, sounds, and physical sensations as well as information about our body position and posture. We then integrate all of that information, that is, we combine it into something that makes sense. Children with sensory integration problems have all of the normal senses, but they have a hard time organizing or integrating the information in a way that allows them to respond effectively.
There are some children who are irritated by sensations that most others find pleasant, such as a gentle touch or certain musical sounds. Some of these same children enjoy sensations, such as being held tightly or having their skin rubbed firmly, that other children find very annoying. After sensory integration treatment, some children are better able to carry out expected tasks, such as paying attention in school or doing homework.
You should know that sensory integration theory is still controversial, in that not all thoughtful and well-informed doctors believe that there is much scientific support for the theory. On the other hand, the therapies that go under the name of sensory integration often seem to me to be very helpful, at least for certain problems and certain children. I've written some more about sensory integration in a response to another parent's question about a child who is overly sensitive to certain textures. There are also websites that you can find by searching on "sensory integration," but be cautious about what you read there. Some of the information is bound to be good, while I think other sites are less reliable.— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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