What is Sensory Integration Therapy?
Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a type of therapy designed to help individuals — especially children — who have sensory processing difficulties. These challenges happen when the brain has trouble receiving, organizing, or responding to information from the senses.
SIT uses play-based, sensory-rich activities to help the brain process sensory input in a more organized and comfortable way.
🧠 Who Needs Sensory Integration Therapy?
SIT is most helpful for children with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- ADHD
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
- Developmental delays
- Down syndrome or genetic conditions
- Cerebral palsy (with sensory challenges)
- Children who are over- or under-sensitive to sound, touch, taste, movement, or light
🎯 Goals of Sensory Integration Therapy
- Help children respond to sensory input in a more appropriate and manageable way
- Improve attention, behavior, emotional control, and body awareness
- Support better participation in daily tasks like eating, dressing, playing, and learning
- Reduce meltdowns, avoidance, or anxiety caused by sensory overload
🔎 Signs a Child Might Need SIT
You might notice:
- Easily overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or textures
- Avoids touch or certain clothing (tags, socks, hair brushing)
- Constantly moving, jumping, or spinning (seeks sensory input)
- Delayed speech, clumsy walking, or poor coordination
- Trouble focusing or sitting still
- Extreme picky eating or gagging at textures
🧩 What Happens in SIT Sessions?
Therapy is usually done by an Occupational Therapist (OT) trained in sensory integration. Sessions are fun, active, and tailored to the child.
Activities may include:
- Swinging, climbing, or jumping
- Playing with textured materials (sand, slime, water)
- Deep pressure activities (hugs, weighted blankets)
- Obstacle courses for balance and coordination
- Listening to calming or alerting sounds
- Practicing transitions and sensory calming routines
Everything is designed to stimulate or calm the senses in a controlled, safe, and playful way.
✅ Benefits of Sensory Integration Therapy
- ✅ Better focus and learning
- ✅ Improved behavior and mood regulation
- ✅ Greater comfort with touch, sound, or movement
- ✅ Increased participation in daily routines
- ✅ Reduced anxiety and meltdowns
- ✅ More confidence and independence
👩⚕️ Who Provides SIT?
- Occupational Therapists (OTs) with specialized training in sensory integration
- Therapy may happen in clinics, schools, or at home through guided activities
📌 Important Notes
- Sensory Integration Therapy is most effective when individualized
- It’s not a one-size-fits-all program — therapy depends on the child’s unique sensory profile
- A sensory assessment is usually done before starting therapy
- Parents and teachers play a key role in supporting sensory strategies at home and school
🌟 Sensory Challenges Are Real — and Manageable
SIT doesn’t aim to “fix” the child — it helps the brain build better connections for interpreting the world. With the right support, children can thrive in their environment and feel more in control of their bodies and emotions.