Sensory Integration Therapy

Benefits of This Therapy

Sensory integration therapy (SIT) provides certain advantages that support a child’s overall growth:

1.  Enhanced coordination and motor skills: Engaging in specific activities helps children develop better physical control, which improves their abilities in walking, writing, and playing.
2. Improved emotional regulation and social skills: SIT assists children in managing their emotions, resulting in calmer behaviour and a greater capacity to connect with friends and caregivers.
3. Greater focus and attention in school and daily life: By helping children in processing sensory information effectively, it enhances their concentration, enabling them to remain engaged in learning and daily tasks.
4. Decreased sensory sensitivities or aversions: Children facing sensory processing difficulties often react strongly to various stimuli. It also helps lessen these sensitivities, making everyday situations easier to handle.

Key Sensory Systems Influenced by Sensory Integration Difficulties

Sensory integration encompasses eight systems, but four are frequently the most affected:

1. Tactile System: Detects touch sensations such as pressure and temperature through the skin.
2. Proprioceptive System: Provides information about body position and movement through muscles and joints.
3. Vestibular System: Regulates balance and movement through the inner ear.
4. Kinesthetic System: Manages body movements by using physical feedback.

The impact of sensory integration dysfunction differs from one child to another, necessitating personalized support and therapy.

Common Issues Addressed By This Therapy

Common sensory challenges include –

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), where children struggle to interpret sensory information, leading to overwhelming experiences.
• Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs, impacting their communication and social interactions.
• Those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may also face sensory difficulties, resulting in distractibility and impulsivity.
• Developmental delays can further complicate sensory integration, affecting a child’s ability to engage with their environment.
• Additionally, anxiety related to sensory overload is prevalent, causing distress in situations with excessive noise, light, or crowds, making it essential to address these issues for improved daily functioning and emotional well-being.

Who We Help: Supporting Children with Sensory Challenges

At First Step Special Kids School, we offer personalized help through SIT for children dealing with a range of sensory challenges. These children frequently find it hard to process sensory information, impacting their motor skills, concentration, and emotional control. With customized therapy, we cater to their specific sensory requirements, enhancing their coordination, attention, and social skills.

SIT Services We Provide

• Customized Therapy Plans – These are specifically designed to address their sensory challenges, developmental objectives, and strengths. Our educators evaluate every child’s requirements and develop a focused plan that encourages growth and progress.
• Engaging Therapy Activities – Our sensory activities are designed to be fun and meaningful for children. They include swinging, jumping, and balancing exercises to enhance coordination, tactile play with various textured items to boost sensory awareness, and deep pressure techniques to improve body awareness. We also use visual and auditory processing games to engage different senses.
• Sensory Gym – Our dedicated sensory gym is equipped with crash pads, swings, and obstacle courses that encourage active participation. These resources are important to enhance their motor skills, balance, and spatial awareness while enjoying themselves.
• Group Therapy Sessions – These offer children the chance to develop social skills and interact with peers, addressing sensory challenges in a caring environment.
• Support and Training for Families – We provide workshops and resources for parents to help them carry on these activities at home which helps in their child’s development.