Sensory integration therapy is based on the assumption that the child is either overstimulated or understimulated by the environment, according to Healing Therapies. Sensory exercises help to improve individuals with disabilities such as dyspraxia and autism, by improving the way the brain processes sensory information so that they can function better in daily activities.
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia, also known as the clumsy disorder, occurs when children or adults have trouble with gross and fine motor coordination, that require subtle changes in posture, strength, force or dexterity, according to Skill Builders. Children with this disorder often have trouble controlling their movements and are often seen bumping into walls or swinging their arms uncontrollably. Playing games such as Simon Says, or the Hokey Pokey, in which the child is required to imitate and respond to movements based on verbal commands, can help improve sensory awareness in individuals with dyspraxia.
Tactile Exercises
Tactile sensory exercises focus on over- or under-sensation of touch. People with over-sensitivity to touch may have difficulty with clothing, whereas a tactile under-sensitivity can result in hyperactivity, according to bbbautism.com. An example of tactile exercises would be having the person handle a variety of different textures, even placing them on different body parts. Deep-pressure massages or hugs are also a common tactile exercise for individuals with autism.
Vestibular Exercises
Vestibular sensory problems occur mostly from the inner ear. Individuals with vestibular sensory problems usually have trouble with movement and balance. Vestibular movement can rev you up or calm you down, either way, this input is necessary and will be a critical component to therapy, according to sensory-processing-disorder.com. Incorporating regular balance movements into daily activities can help you improve in this area. Examples for children might be swinging on a swing set, riding on toys, seesaws, using therapy balls, using indoor trampolines or bouncers.
Proprioceptive Exercise
Proprioception is based in the muscles, ligaments, joints, and the nerves that serve them, and that sense information about where the body and its various parts are in space, according to bbbautism.com. Exercises that work to improve this area is similar to exercises of vestibular sensory problems such as walking on a balance beam or stair climbing. Additionally, activities that are done up-side-down or that involve climbing can help improve proprioception in individuals who are autistic.
