Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory Integration Therapy aims at improving the way a child's brain responds to and makes use of sensory information and how this is used to plan, coordinate and organize movement. It also has a positive effect on self-confidence and self-esteem.

Sensory Integration Therapy is one way of helping children. It does not work for all children but for those that it does, changes begin to happen quickly. Children are generally seen once a week for two to four school terms. Some improvements are usually seen within the first six weeks, but Sensory Integration Therapy needs long term input to allow a child's nervous system to develop.

Sensory Integration Therapy uses enhanced sensory input combined with planned motor output through which a child experiences success. The emphasis is non-cognitive, which means that the therapy works with the child's reactions rather than practicing specified skills.

Sensory Integration Therapy does not 'teach' a child new skills or does it directly supply experience or practice in those areas of development that are causing concern. It involves the active participation of a child (and therapist) in a way that facilitates interaction with the play environment.

To you or your child as an observer, Sensory Integration Therapy sessions should seem like just playing. To a therapist, Sensory Integration Therapy sessions will be specifically designed to match and develop the child's nervous system needs.