Treatments for Sensory Integration Disorder

Sensory Integration Disorder (SID)---also called Sensory Integration Dysfunction and Sensory Processing Disorder---refers to behaviors and developmental concerns that impact daily functioning and the ability to regulate emotions. SID also may create self-esteem issues and affect learning and relationships with others. The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation recommends treatment through play-based intervention in a sensory-laden environment, usually with the assistance of an occupational therapist.

Fine Motor Skills

Someone with SID may experience significant delays in fine motor skills, says sensory-processing-disorder.com. Fine motor skill issues can be addressed by working on functional tasks, such as tying shoes, buckling and unbuckling, playing games that require finger control, doing puzzles and opening and closing objects.

Proprioceptive Dysfunction

Proprioceptive dysfunction refers to the sensory input and feedback that informs us about body position and movement. When the proprioceptive sense does not properly receive or interpret input from muscles correctly, a child often appears uncoordinated and clumsy, according to sensory-processing-disorder.com. Other symptoms may include difficulty with graded movement, poor motor planning, difficulty with planned motor control movements and problems with postural stability. To combat this, the National Down Syndrome Congress recommends interacting in an environment with suspended equipment, such as swings and ladders. Sensory-processing-disorder.com also encourages the use of play tunnels, tents and "heavy work" games and activities that calm and regulate a child's energy level, such as sand diggers, rocking loungers and hopping balls.

Oral Sensitivities

Children with SID may experience hypersensitivity to oral experiences, including a dislike of having teeth brushed, a limited food repertoire and gagging. On the other side of the spectrum, some with oral sensitivity may experience hyposensitivities, meaning they crave intense flavors, are messy eaters and have a tendency to stuff their mouths with food. Treatment of oral sensitivity involves increasing oral stimulation by providing appropriate things to chew on, using oral massagers, relaxing input through firm touch and choosing foods with increasing texture, temperature and flavor to challenge sensitivity.

Tactile Defensiveness

Those with SID may become hypersensitive to touch and tactile input, according to the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. This can include fears, avoidance or being upset over the following: wind, clothing textures, dirty hands or face, vibrating toys and wearing shoes or sandals, says sensory-processing-disorder.com, which also notes this can lead to limited learning experiences. Consequently, it's important to combat the "flee" response. This can be done using deep pressure/weighted products via the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol (which, literally, involves brushing a child's body at regular intervals), engaging in messy play and extra exposure to tactile experiences like Play-Doh and shaving cream.