What is sensory integration or sensory processing disorder?
An occupational therapist is qualified to assess sensory processing disorder. Sensory processing disorder is a disorder where individuals have difficulty processing their environment on an ongoing basis, therefore they have difficulty controlling their behaviors, attending to tasks, transitioning from activity to activity, trying new things, etc. Information from the environment is received through our 6 senses: taste, smell, sight, touch, hearing and proprioception/balance. The therapy approach to treating sensory processing disorder is called sensory integration. During sensory integration, the individual is encouraged to participate in activities that challenge their senses at in a relatively controlled environment. Sensory integration therapy is challenging but most importantly it is FUN!!
