Making Sense of the Senses: Sensory Integration

• May 30
• Admin

Sensory Integration Therapy: Helping Your Child Process Sensory Information

"For children who struggle to process and respond to external stimuli—such as sights, sounds, textures, smells, and tastes—Sensory Integration Therapy can make a big difference. At Al Najma Center, our therapists often recommend one-on-one therapeutic play sessions, designed to help children develop appropriate adaptive responses and improve their sensory processing skills"

 

 

                                                           What is Sensory Integration?

Sensory integration is the way we process, organize, and respond to sensory information from our bodies and the environment. In simple terms, it’s how we experience, interpret, and react to (or sometimes ignore) the information coming from our senses. Sensory integration plays a crucial role in everything we do daily, such as:

♦ Daily living activities (e.g., getting dressed, brushing teeth)

♦ Moving around (e.g., walking, running)

♦ Socializing (e.g., interacting with others)

♦ Learning (e.g., listening, focusing)

♦ Working (e.g., completing tasks)

Sensory integration is a natural process that develops as we engage in everyday activities. However, for some children, sensory integration doesn’t develop as efficiently, which can affect their ability to participate in daily tasks, impact their behavior, or make learning and social interactions more difficult. At Al Najma Center, we specialize in helping children overcome these challenges through targeted therapy.

Understanding Sensory Processing

► We receive sensory information through the following senses:

» Vision

» Auditory (hearing)

» Tactile (touch)

» Gustatory (taste)

» Olfactory (smell)

» Proprioception (sense of body position)

» Vestibular (sense of movement and balance)

» Interoception (sense of internal body states, like hunger or heart rate)

When children face sensory integration challenges, they may have difficulty processing and responding to sensory inputs in a way that allows them to engage fully in everyday activities. This can interfere with learning, behavior, and social participation. At Al Najma Center, our therapists work closely with families to tailor therapy plans to each child’s unique needs.

 

                                           

                                        What is a Sensory Diet?

 

► A sensory diet is one effective strategy for managing sensory processing challenges. It’s a personalized plan of physical activities and accommodations tailored to meet your child’s specific sensory needs. The goal is to help your child regulate their sensory experiences, promoting a calm and organized state that supports learning, attention, and appropriate behavior.

► A sensory diet consists of various activities designed to target different sensory systems. The types of activities and the frequency, intensity, and duration of sensory input vary depending on your child’s unique needs and responses. These activities can include things like deep pressure exercises, swinging, or engaging in activities that help with balance and coordination.

► The sensory diet is designed to help your child achieve an optimal sensory state—a balanced level of alertness and calmness that allows them to focus and behave appropriately. Over time, as your child’s sensory needs change or their environment shifts, the sensory diet is adjusted to continue supporting their development.

It’s important to remember that what works for one child may not work for another. A sensory diet needs to be developed in collaboration with both parents and therapists, ensuring that it aligns with the child’s specific sensory needs and personal preferences. At Al Najma Center, we work closely with parents to create a tailored sensory plan that fits your child’s unique requirements.

Self-Regulation and the Role of Sensory Diets

♦ Through the sensory diet, children learn how to self-regulate their energy levels, behavior, emotions, and attention. As a result, skills such as concentrating, taking turns, and sharing can improve, enabling your child to better manage tasks and navigate social situations independently.

♦ To be most effective, the sensory activities in the sensory diet should be integrated into play and daily life. Making them a natural part of everyday routines helps your child build the necessary skills in a consistent, supportive environment. At Al Najma Center, we help ensure these strategies become part of your child’s daily routine for the best outcomes.

Why Sensory Integration Therapy Works

♦ Sensory integration therapy is designed to be flexible, adapting to your child’s changing needs and sensory processing patterns. It provides a safe space where children can explore sensory experiences in a controlled and therapeutic way, helping them build resilience and improve their overall functioning.

If you’d like to learn more or get started with sensory integration therapy, please contact Al Najma Center for further details and to schedule an assessment. Our therapists are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

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