What is Sensory Integration ?

Sensory Integration is defined as the neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and the environment, thus making it possible to use the body effectively within the environment.

Sensory Integration Dysfunction occurs when the brain is not able to process sensory information effectively.  Either the senses are delivering information that may not be accurate or, once the information gets into the system, the interconnections within the brain are not working properly and the information is not processed accurately.

Sensory Integration can be described with an analogy comparing the brain to a large city, with traffic consisting of neural impulses (the signals from the senses – touch, hearing, balance etc). Good sensory processing enables all the impulses to flow easily and reach their destinations quickly.

SI Dysfunction, on the other hand, causes a traffic jam in the brain. Some sensory information gets tied up in the traffic, blocking certain parts of the brain from getting the information they need to do their job.

The hallmarks of sensory integrative dysfunction are:

• inconsistencies in performance
• difficulties in attention
• difficulties in organisation of behavior
• motor planning and coordination difficulties
• difficulties processing and fluctuations in emotions and behavior.

SI dysfunction is a central processing disorder or a disorder in the normal neurological process. At certain times of the day the traffic may not flow well; there may be an accident, and traffic may be diverted to alternate routes; or it may just stop. A traffic jam causes a break- down in efficiency, and frequently emotions flair. When the brain is not processing sensory input well, it is usually not directing behavior or emotions effectively. The child with a sensory integration disorder cannot respond to sensory information in a consistent, meaningful way. Without good sensory integration, learning is difficult; the child cannot cope with ordinary demands, which may lead to poor self-esteem.

Sensory integrative disorders can occur in children who have no medical diagnoses. “Normal” children are frequently challenged by inefficient sensory integration to such a degree that they seek help and intervention. These children have no identified disabilities and appear to be gifted with good health, intelligence, and strong, loving families, yet they struggle with the challenges of everyday living.

Also at high risk for disorders of sensory integration are low-birth-weight infants and post-institutional children.