Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Sensory Integration dysfunction is when a child is not able to manage the information coming in through their senses. This may interfere with their learning, playing, social interaction, and daily activities of life.

Associated Symptoms:

• Unusual sensitivity to clothing or getting dressed
• Unusual discomfort/resistance with hair washing, bathing, teeth brushing, diaper changes, etc.
• Avoids play with “messy” textures like sand, dirt, finger paint, food, glue
• Unusual sensitivity to tastes or smells
• Eats a limited variety of foods
• Avoids climbing, swinging, sliding, stairs
• Unusual sensitivity to louder sounds or environments
• Gross motor challenges (bilateral coordination, eye-hand coordination, balance, etc.)
• Hand coordination or handwriting challenges
• Motor planning challenges (imitating, play variety, team sports)
• Low awareness of pain and temperature
• Unusually sloppy eater and/or overstuffs mouth
• Chews or eats non-food objects
• Unusual need for movement (i.e. fidgets, rocks, jumps)
• Clumsy, falls often, accident-prone

Rehab evaluation:

Your child can be evaluated for sensory integration dysfunction with an occupational therapy evaluation. This may include parent interview, sensory checklists, clinical observation, and standardized testing.

Common rehab treatment interventions:

You and your child’s occupational therapist will develop a sensory treatment plan. Together you will work towards your child’s goals with therapy, parent education, and home activities. Therapy will be provided in a sensory-rich play environment with activities that are motivating and meaningful to your child.