sensory integaration theory

8/7/2019 Sensory Integaration Theory

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Amit Kochhar

Occupational therapyStudent


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y SI theory was given by Dr. A. Jean Ayres (1920-1988)

y The theory describes the way in which the brain worksas a whole with the objective of improving functionalability

y The development of the theory was originally based onwork with learning disabled children.

y Dr. Ayres anticipated that as our understanding of thecentral nervous system advanced, our understanding

of the neurological basis of sensory integration theory,assessment, and intervention would become morerefined.


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y SI is the neurological process that organizes sensationfrom ones own body and from the environment andmakes it possible to use the body effectively in the

environment.The spatial and temporal aspect of inputs fromdifferent sensory modalities are interpreted, associatedand unified. Sensory integration is information

processing. (Ayres, 1989a, p.11)


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1. The remarkable potential for change of thedeveloping brain, or neuroplasticity, which hasrecently been found to be true of the adult brain aswell,

2. Interactions between the higher-order (cortical)areas of the brain and those in the lowersubcortical areas as fundamental to adequate sensoryintegration,

3. Neurophysiological development of sensoryintegrative functions that occur in a natural orderand follow a basic sequence


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4. An adaptive response, which is the ability toadjust one's action upon environmental demand(Ayres, 1972, p. 8) and promotes a higher level of

integration as a consequence of the feedback to thecentral nervous system

5. Presence of an inner drive to meet and master achallenge, which fosters the development of sensory

integration


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y Studies suggest that sensory integrative dysfunction isnot a single disorder but a spectrum of disorders(Parham & Mailloux, 2005) related to the followingprocesses:y Sensory Modulation (combination of facilitatory and

inhibitory messages produces modulation, which is thenervous system's process of self-organization)

y Sensory Discrimination (Sensory discrimination is theinterpretation of sensory information that allows you toknow efficiently and accurately where your body is,where other people are, and details about theenvironment from multiple sensory channels)

y Praxis (Praxis is the ability to conceptualize, plan, andexecute skilled tasks)


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y Sensory integration is emerging very rapidly as theproblems related with sensory integration disorders areincreasing day by day.

y SI is needed for various problems involving sensory

processing dysfunctions e.g.y ADDy PDDy ADHDy ASDy Autismy Learning disabilitiesy Cortical and cerebeller lesionsy Neurological disordersy Behavioral disordersy Amputations. And list goes on


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Paediatrics

Schoolsetup

Rehab

Neurology

SI


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y By the term "sensory room or Sensory IntegrationUnit, we are talking about a specific room, withspecific sensory equipment and activities, to benefit

specific sensory processing difficulties.y Sensory room is to calm or stimulate an individual

through each of the senses.

y Various equipments could be used in the SI unit to

deal with various Sensory processing disorders. Theyare discussed in the following slides.


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y For tactile inputs:y tactile toys and ballsy textured walls and materialsy textured puzzles and booksy surgical brushes (if prescribed the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol)y vibrating toys and vibrating baby seatsy vibrating mattresses, vibrating pillows , and play mats or vibrating stuffed

animalsy vibrating recliners, chair, or matsy vibrating teethers and oral massagersy vibrating hairbrush or vibrating toothbrushy "Koosh" balls, wigglers, and squishy ballsy shaving cream or FunnyFoamy sand and water tablesy "Bumble Ball"y ball pits and ball poolsy textured bean bagsy vibrating pensy "Somatron" vibrating mats and cloud chairsy tactile mats


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y For vestibular inputsy bolster swingsy glider rockersy hammock swings or relax chairsy riding toys, bikes and scootersy rocking toysy jolly jumpersy tire swings, sling swings, toddler swings and swingsetsy jumpolenes and backyard bouncersy "Dizzy Disc" zip lines and backyard trolleysy sea sawsy glider swingsy

"Airwalker"y "frog swing ,"biorbital accelerator" swing,y dual swings, spring swings, "moon swing", disc swing, and/or tube swingsy "Sit 'n Spin"y rocker boardsy balance boards and balance beams


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y Proprioceptive Inputsy pogo sticks

y weighted vests, weighted blankets, and shorts

y wrist, ankle, shoe and/or finger weights

y scooter boards

y play tunnelsy jungle gyms , indoor rock walls

y "Hippity Hop" , trampolines

y Jump rope

y therapy balls

y "Theraputty" or silly putty

y weighted balls ("medicine balls")y pegboards

y T-Stool"

y crash pits

y net climbers

y push toys

y squeeze toys


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y Visual Inputsy Color cubes,

y fiber optic light sources,

y

rope lights, and/ory low wattage pastel colored

y light bulbs

y play tents/huts,

y lava lamps,

y bubble columns,

y wall water fountains (or tabletop),

y liquid light projectors


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y Oral Inputy vibrating teethersy vibrating toothbrushesy blow toysy whistles musical instruments (real or play ones)

y rubber tubing (dip it into f lavored foods or drinks if you want)y sweet, sour, spicy, chewy foods and gumy "Nuk toothbrush"y textured spoonsy straws with thick drinksy "Blow Darts"y "Blo-pens"y party favor blowersy kazoosy facial and oral massagersy "Z-vibes"y "Jigglers"


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y Auditory Inputy sound therapy

y guided imagery tapes/cd's

y

relaxation tapes/cd'sy classical music

y nature sound machines

y heartbeat sounds stuffed animals and/or blankets

y metronomes

y self-hypnosis programs (downloadable)

y Musical toys


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y Olfactory inputsy scented oils,y scented candlesy aroma diffusers,y scented markers,

y scented playdoh, toys,y scented stuffed animals or blankets,y scented neck wraps, eye masks,y scented potpouri and sprays

Calming scents:

vanilla,lavender,peppermint, orjasmine

Stimulating scentscinnamon,strong sweetsour smells,floral scents, or spices.


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sensory integaration theory

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