Sensory Integration Assessment and Therapy

Sensory integration therapy can be highly beneficial for neurodivergent adults and adolescents, including autistic and ADHD individuals, and others with sensory processing differences. Delivered by a qualified occupational therapist, sensory integration therapy helps individuals process and respond to sensory information from all eight sensory systems: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, proprioception (sense of body position), vestibular (sense of movement and balance), and interoception (sense of internal bodily states). The therapy works on goals that align with the individual's unique needs and aims.

 

Research indicates that neurodivergent individuals often experience heightened or diminished responses to sensory stimuli, which can impact their daily functioning (Schaaf et al., 2018; Watling & Hauer, 2015). In sensory integration therapy, the therapy is most effective when it is person-centred, with the individual leading the process and feeling safe in the therapeutic environment. The therapy involves engaging individuals in activities using tools such as floor equipment, swings, and everyday items to target their sensory preferences, providing a "just right" challenge to help them develop more adaptive responses. This approach supports self-regulation, sensory exploration, and the development of coping strategies, ultimately enhancing participation in work, education, and social settings.