Text Box: Sensory Integration is the ability to process information through the senses and appropriately respond and behave in any given situation. Throughout life, we use certain techniques to help us concentrate, relax, or feel good in various situations. For example, some people require music in order to remain “organized”. Some people prefer coffee to motivate themselves in the morning, whereas others require exercise in order to become organized for the day. We often develop preferences because certain types of input (movement activities, textures, sounds, and even foods) have helped us to respond appropriately in prior situations. It is the responsibility of our brain to organize and process sensory(environmental) input, and to use that input to respond appropriately to a particular situation. To do this we must integrate information we receive from all of our senses.   When a child has difficulty processing sensory information, there are many behaviors that manifest, such as decreased attention span, excessive demanding, decreased eye contact and interaction with others, fixation on spinning objects, avoidance or seeking out of touch/textures, grinding teeth, non-stop movement, or fear of movement to name a few. Sometimes these characteristics are sometimes considered typical, but they are also considered “sensory red flags” because any of these behaviors in excess could impede a child’s ability to grow and learn from their environment.   Occupational therapists are trained in treating children with sensory concern. Paradigm has a specialized staff of OT clinicians to address the sensory needs of your child. Paradigm offers clinic-based treatment for your child’s needs in order to provide them with various tactile and vestibular opportunities. We also have “quiet” rooms that allow your child to work individually on therapist directed activities that promote functional learning. Text Box: WHAT IS SENSORY INTEGRATION?

Text Box: Recommended Resources for learning about sensory integration 1.      The out of Sync Child– Carol Kranowitz 2.      Parents Guide to Sensory Integration 3.      Sensory Integration-Jean Ayres

Text Box: Sensory Integration is the ability to process information through the senses and appropriately respond and behave in any given situation. Throughout life, we use certain techniques to help us concentrate, relax, or feel good in various situations. For example, some people require music in order to remain “organized”. Some people prefer coffee to motivate themselves in the morning, whereas others require exercise in order to become organized for the day. We often develop preferences because certain types of input (movement activities, textures, sounds, and even foods) have helped us to respond appropriately in prior situations. It is the responsibility of our brain to organize and process sensory(environmental) input, and to use that input to respond appropriately to a particular situation. To do this we must integrate information we receive from all of our senses.   When a child has difficulty processing sensory information, there are many behaviors that manifest, such as decreased attention span, excessive demanding, decreased eye contact and interaction with others, fixation on spinning objects, avoidance or seeking out of touch/textures, grinding teeth, non-stop movement, or fear of movement to name a few. Sometimes these characteristics are sometimes considered typical, but they are also considered “sensory red flags” because any of these behaviors in excess could impede a child’s ability to grow and learn from their environment.   Occupational therapists are trained in treating children with sensory concern. Paradigm has a specialized staff of OT clinicians to address the sensory needs of your child. Paradigm offers clinic-based treatment for your child’s needs in order to provide them with various tactile and vestibular opportunities. We also have “quiet” rooms that allow your child to work individually on therapist directed activities that promote functional learning. Text Box: WHAT IS SENSORY INTEGRATION?

Text Box: Recommended Resources for learning about sensory integration 1.      The Out of Sync Child– Carol Kranowitz 2.      Parents Guide to Sensory Integration 3.  Sensory Integration-Jean Ayres   3.      Sensory Integration-Jean Ayres