Sensory Integration

On Wednesday, November 12 we had the opportunity for the fourth time to have Leah Taylor, an occupational therapist and adoptive parent, speak at the Adoption Options’ monthly parent support group. She educated the group members about Sensory Integration and Sensory Integration Dysfunction. She also discussed signs of sensory difficulties, sensory integration and international adoption, activities you can do at home with your child to help with sensory integration, and when you might want to get your child assessed for occupational therapy.

What is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration describes our ability to take in information through senses (touch, movement, smell, taste, vision, and hearing), sort that information based on previous knowledge and then make a meaningful or adaptive response.

What is Sensory Integration Dysfunction?
Sensory Integration dysfunction occurs when a child is not able to access or integrate these sensory experiences to achieve this “adaptive response”. The information is perceived by the individual as too much, not enough or disorganized. Sensory Integration problems, unless severe, are often subtle and easily mistaken for behaviors or explained as personality traits. Understanding a child’s sensory needs ultimately supports them in reaching their own greatest potential.

What makes children, post- orphanage at higher risk?
Sensory Deprivation
Poor Nutrition
Poor prenatal care
Premature birth
Limited opportunity for exploration
Minimal Opportunity for natural movement
Extended period in seated equipment (swing, excer- saucer)
Limited handling, caregiver contact

There is a positive outcome: Children who have experienced sensory deprivation tend to be highly responsive to sensory integration therapy.

What you can do:
*It’s a good idea to get a baseline Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment for all children who were institutionalized for longer than 6 months.
*Ask your MD for a referral for an OT evaluation (your child will need a prescription) or Request a “FREE screen for OT”
*Try some things at home.
*Work on creating a Sensory Diet (with the guidance of an OT)
*Keep a journal, look for trends and celebrate your family’s achievements
*PLAY, a lot- and then some more!

Things you can do at home:

Oral:
Drink from a straw
Sing
Eat crunchy or Chewy snacks
Chew gum
Blow whistles
Take a deep breath
Blow bubbles

Tactile:
Play-doh
Paint
Infant massage
Gently wrestle
Play gentle “contact” games (twister, make up your own)
Find many opportunities to invite your child to snuggle
Dig in the dirt
Sandbox
Walk or run in the grass or on the beach
Splash in waves
Carry your baby close to you (on your back, in a sling)
Hold hands
Explore nature: leaves, safe bugs, jump in puddles
Use a washcloth in the tub
Water table play

Movement:
Swing
Slides
Play upside down games
Sit and spins
Jump
Wiggle
Dance (don’t forget your instruments)
Roll like a log
Roll up in a blanket (or yoga mat) like a hotdog
Run, spin, and roll

Heavy work:
Sit with a heavy blanket on their lap-Sleepy Pete lamb (from Leaps and Bounds)
Wear a small backpack with “treasures” inside
Eat crunchy or chewy snacks
Drink through a straw

Help with chores: push laundry basket, unload non-glass groceries
Garden together
Jump with two feet landing solidly on the ground
Pull a wagon
Ride a trike
Climb a “mountain”
Wrap in a yoga mat- make a burrito ( wrap below the shoulders only)
Build a sandwich out of couch pillows
Wear a tight knit cap

For a study on Sensory Integration and International Adoption:
The Research: Sharon Cermak, Ed.D., OTR/L, published “The Relation Between Length of Institutionalization and Sensory Integration in Children Adopted from Eastern Europe” in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy May/March 2005, Volume 59, Number 2. (Susan H. Lin, Sharon Cermak, Wendy J. Coster, Laurie Miller.)