Sensory Integration for Healthcare Providers
It is estimated that between 5 – 15% of children in the United States today have difficulty integrating sensory information, which can translate to negative impacts on a child’s motor, cognitive, and socio-emotional development.1,2 The incidence of children with sensory integration issues is a public health concern, and increased awareness is needed to prevent possible long-term implications.
The term “sensory integration” refers to a brain-behavior theory, a frame of reference for occupational therapy intervention, and specific assessment procedures that facilitates identification of specific types of sensory/motor dysfunction. Sensory integration theory refers to the neurological-based constructs that explains how the brain processes internal and external sensations and subsequently uses that information for motor, behavioral, emotional, and attentional responses.3
The concept and theory of sensory integration comes from a body of work developed by A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR. The theory and intervention strategies have further been developed and refined by research and literature from other disciples such as occupational science, neuropsychology, neurology, physiology, child development, and psychology.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to review additional information on this topic:
The theory of sensory integration was the life work of A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D, OTR, and continues to evolve and be modified by researchers and clinicians worldwide.
Look here for research on Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Theory, Sensory Integration Issues Effect on Learning, Parent Perspective on Sensory Integration, and Sensory Processing and Cerebral Palsy.
Information about The American Occupational Therapy Association.
1 Ahn RR, Miller L J, Milberger S, et al. (2004) Prevalence of parents’ perceptions of sensory processing disorders among kindergarten children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy 58:287–293.
2 Ben-Sasson A, Carter AS, Briggs-Gowan MJ. (2010) The development of sensory over-responsivity: From infancy to elementary school. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology 38(8):1193-202.
3 Miller LJ, Anzalone ME, Lane SL, Cermak SA, Osten ET. (2007) Concept evolution in sensory integration: A proposed nosology for diagnosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy 61:135-140.
4 May-Benson T, Barraza M A, Flanagan J. (2011) Review of medical policy of United Healthcare: Sensory integration therapy.Unpublished document submitted to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
