Sensory Integration Disorders and Processing
Sensory Integration Disorders and Dysfunction in children are treated by occupational therapists at Baron Therapy Services, LLC.
Sensory integration and processing occurs within the nervous system as it receives messages from sensory stimuli and provides a motor, emotional or behavioral response. The environment and one’s own body are constantly providing sensory stimuli in the form of auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, interoceptive, proprioceptive and vestibular input. It is the responsibility of the brain and nervous system to organize these stimuli to form an appropriate response in order to function effectively within an environment. This process allows for good coordination, attention, adaptability to changes in environment or input, and the ability to perform activities of daily living.
Forms of Sensory Input:
- Proprioceptive: Kinesthetic sensation or the awareness of one’s body position
- Vestibular: Sensation of movement and balance
- Olfactory: Sensation of smell
- Auditory: Sensation of hearing
- Visual: Sensation of sight
- Tactile: Sensation of touch
- Gustatory: Sensation of taste
- Interoceptive: Sensation of internal processes and organs such as respiration, heart rate, bladder control, bowel control, gastric pain, or nausea
As children develop, their multisensory integration system is able to more successfully modulate sensory input, however if the brain is unable to organize input from the body or environment to form an appropriate response, sensory integration dysfunction may need to be addressed. Dysfunction in the ability to process sensory stimuli may affect one’s ability to maintain attention, perform activities of daily living, complete academic structured work, and interact appropriately in social situations.
Occupational Therapists at Baron Therapy Services, LLC are experienced in treating children who present with sensory problems. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call (203) 387-1401.