Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration Pediatric Therapy at Koval Occupational
Koval Occupational boasts a wealth of expertise in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Our team includes therapists certified in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT), ensuring specialized care for children with sensory integration challenges.
Understanding Sensory Integration
Many children we support exhibit sensory sensitivities, displaying either heightened or diminished reactions to stimuli such as auditory, visual, gustatory (taste), tactile (touch), vestibular (balance and movement), and proprioceptive (muscle and joint sense) inputs. Some children face difficulties in modulating their sensory responses or dealing with multi-sensory processing. These sensory processing challenges may occur independently or alongside other developmental issues.
Defining Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
SPD is a complex neurological condition that affects how functional skills are executed. Individuals with SPD may misinterpret everyday sensory information, leading them to become easily overwhelmed, actively seek out sensory experiences, or avoid them altogether.
The Concept of Sensory Integration
Originally coined by Dr. Jean Ayres, sensory integration describes the critical neurological process that organizes sensations from the body and the environment, enabling effective body use within various contexts.
Sensory integration involves the ability to:
- Receive sensory stimuli
- Interpret and analyze this information
- Process the stimuli into a coherent response
- Adaptively react to the stimuli
The sensory system gathers information from our environment through senses like touch, smell, sound, vision, taste, movement, and gravity. It processes these sensations collectively, allowing us to understand our surroundings. This integration is fundamental for the nervous system’s efficient functioning, guiding our responses and actions.
How Occupational Therapy Makes a Difference
At Koval Occupational, we leverage play to enhance your child’s sensory processing abilities and to tailor accommodations or modifications for successful engagement. Our approach includes graded desensitization and various therapeutic techniques to address sensitivities in tactile, auditory, visual, vestibular, taste, smell, or movement processing. The goal is to assist the child in integrating sensory inputs effectively to maintain optimal arousal, attention levels, and respond appropriately to their environment.
For a personalized discussion about your child’s sensory integration needs, please reach out to us.