What is Sensory Integration?

Sensory Integration is the neurological process in which the brain processes the information it receives from the body and environment to enable an individual to respond appropriately.   For most people, sensory integration develops during the course of ordinary childhood activities.  But for some children, sensory integration does not develop as it should.  A child will therefore have sensory processing difficulties or sensory processing disorder (SPD).  This can impact the way a child processes auditory, tactile, vestibular, visual and proprioceptive information.  Adults can also have sensory processing disorders.

These sensory processing difficulties will impact upon how a person interacts with others, and the environment.  It can affect the body’s self-regulation, movement, learning and behaviour with others. It can hinder skills that will be needed in the classroom, such as attention, engagement and learning.

At Jump Start we specialise in a sensory integrative approach to treatment, to help children and adults with sensory processing difficulties.  Our therapists have all gained qualifications in Sensory Integration, including having several Advanced SI Practitioners.  Sensory Integration therapy is one-to-one therapy, based upon the principles of Ayres’ Sensory Integration.