Sensory integration refers to the combined use of all the senses to make an appropriate response. The theory of sensory integration has seven senses at its core: vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, vestibular(movement), and proprioception (our awareness of our body and its parts to each other). It is thought that if any one of these senses are not appropriately developed they can not be integrated together for age appropriate development. If the basic senses are well developed they can then be used together effectively for development of posture, motor planning and body awareness. These then, in turn, can be integrated for eye hand coordination, language, visual spatial perception, and attention. Ultimately, all of these skills will integrate for overall age appropriate academic and behavioral development. Occupational therapists who focus on sensory integration skills will look at a child’s abilities within each of the aforementioned categories and decide where the child’s abilities are breaking down. It is here that the therapist will focus therapy intervention.

Children who have sensory integration deficits typically present with an over or under sensitivity to sight, sound, taste, smell or movement. They may appear awkward, impulsive and/or have difficulty changing from one activity to another. As you browse through this website you will find many toys that will help with under and over sensitivities of each of the senses.