Research for Practice: Sensory Integration and Dyslexia.
Ayres’ published her research findings, making a case for emerging patterns of sensory integration dysfunction including; developmental dyspraxia – this pattern linking motor planning difficulties with deficits in tactile perception difficulties with integration of both sides of the body; poor right-left discrimination, difficulties crossing the midline, and reduced bilateral motor coordination – impacting on […]
CPD Update: Neurodevelopmental Soft Signs: Implications for Sensory Processing and Praxis Assessment—Part One
An interesting read, this AOTA CE Article links sensory integration and processing difficulties and higher functions linked to occupation and participation. A table in the article links types of neurodevelopmental soft signs (NSS) in Occupational Therapy evaluation and underlying brain areas implicated in the literature, commenting that “Integrating clinical observations of NSS with advanced brain-based […]
An introduction to Ayres’ Sensory Integration
Sensory integration…the ability to organize sensory information for use…perception and synthesis of sensory data that enables man to interact effectively with the environment.’ Jean. A. Ayres (1972) Ayres’ Sensory Integration combines theories and concepts from human development, current neuroscience, psychology with occupational science into a holistic framework through which we can consider a person’s development, […]
More Sensory Sensitive Christmas Survival suggestions…
As Christmas time approaches here are some sensible suggestions from a parent for how to keep things simple and create some low key, sensory friendly family traditions… Less is more! Read here: https://nottheformerthings.com/how-our-holidays-have-changed-since-my-sons-autism-diagnosis/
Christmas Themed – Calm Down Glitter Bottle Timer
Thanks so much for this beautiful, simple idea sent to us by one of our families. Have you tried making and using a glitter-filled calm down bottle timer to help your little ones? It’s easy to put a Christmas theme into them by using festive colours and adding seasonal themed sequins or beads. With so […]
‘Sensory’ in Autism isn’t just about sensitivity.
ASI WISE was recently invited to deliver a presentation about Autism and sensory issues to a UK National Autistic Society meeting. Our presentations to the audience addressed the science and evidence behind autism and explored a families experience of sensory integration therapy. Since the presentation we have had interesting conversations with some parents who attended. […]
Messy Play 1 – What is messy play and how can it help?
Submitted by guest blogger, Ruth OT It’s the summer holidays for most schools in England, including my kid’s schools. I’m well known for my love of messy/ tactile play, and summer holidays and messy play are made to go together. First of all, can I just say that messy play is not just about the […]
Summer fun ideas for challenging Tweenies and Teens
Here are some great hand-eye coordination activities for clients across the lifespan – some are especially good for teens! Try these with tweenies and teens with difficulties with sensory-motor coordination, to get them off devices and outdoors over the summer.
Early trauma is stored in the body via the senses, this is why therapy through the senses is effective
“Early trauma is stored in the body via the senses, this is why therapy through the senses is effective.” Smith, K BPD and SI 2004 Occupational Therapists are ideally placed to work through play and via the senses to promote the development of healthy neurological pathways and structures; impacting the development of sensory motor […]
About the senses and development.
Our senses are critical to early development. Ayres (1972) defined sensory integration as “the neurological process that organises sensation from one’s own body and the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment” When they do not work well, or our environment does not allow this to happen, we can’t get […]