Does Sensory Integration Therapy Really Work?

If you are looking for alternative therapy for behavioral or developmental disorders then Sensory Integration (SI) can be a potential solution. Sensory Integration Therapies is a process by which the brain organizes and interprets information. It provides a foundation that is crucial for learning later when learning grows complex. However, when there is disordered in the process, several problems in development, behavior, and learning may become evident.

Benefits

At the most basic level, sensory integration therapy aims to help patients better understand how their brains process sensory information. This can help them better to develop more positive relationships with those around them. In a sense, people are able to get the best of both worlds through sensory integration therapy.

Some patients may experience sensory integration as an issue with visual, auditory, or olfactory hallucinations. Others may experience problems in fine motor movement. This form of therapy can also help those who have balance and bodily coordination problems.
The goal of this form of therapy is to help patients with any of these issues gain awareness. They learn how to move their bodies in a natural manner so that they do not feel like they are doing something wrong. It may also be important for some patients to develop good communication skills.

Challenges

A sensory integration therapist may provide a patient with techniques to encourage a better way of thinking and communicating. Although a neurobiological process sensory integration has a great deal to do with how the brain processes sensory information. The problem with these disorders is that the brain does not know how to process sensory information in a proper manner. Thus, it struggles to process this information.

The difficulty with sensory integration is that it can get better or worse over time. For example, someone who is visually impaired may get better at blending into their surroundings over time. However, someone who has trouble identifying color may struggle to adapt over time.

While sensory integration is a very broad concept, it can be broken down into four categories. These include sensory integration disorders, sensory integration disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders, sensory integration disorders and cognitive disabilities, and sensory integration disorders and anxiety disorders. Each of these types of disorders has some level of sensory integration.

Treatments

There are several different treatments available for people who have sensory integration disorders. Some may use special devices and/or diets to help the disorder. Other options may involve modifying behaviors and learning new skills.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one type of treatment that can help people who have sensory integration disorders. A therapist will teach the person with the disorder to control their feelings and learn new behaviors. This can be done with a therapist or with the use of behavior modification programs.

Behavioral activation therapy is another form of treatment that can help people who have sensory integration disorders. This can be used with the same behavior modification techniques as CBT. This method works to change the way a person feels about their body, sensation, and their surroundings.

Another option is to combine sensory integration therapy with other forms of therapy. This can help people who have a limited range of sensations. In addition, it can help to improve their interpersonal skills. In addition to the patient using their entire senses to receive sensory integration, a therapist will also work with the patient to get his or her feelings in line with their surroundings.

Conclusion

SI is an important therapy for the overall health of a person who is experiencing behavioral and development issues. There also should be an understanding of the types of disorders that are associated with SI.

For children, there is not a universally accepted diagnosis, SI should not be diagnosed. However, SI along with occupational therapy may be acceptable as a component of an extensive treatment plan. Parents should be aware that SI therapy is inconclusive and limited.