Sensory integration: making sense of sensory processing differences

Sensory integration is the process by which the nervous system takes in information from our senses and makes sense of it. Beyond the familiar five senses, two others matter a lot: the vestibular sense (balance and movement) and proprioception (the sense of our muscles and joints — how much force we use and where our body parts are). When the brain organises and interprets all of this, we call it sensory integration.

What is a sensory processing difficulty?

Sometimes the brain doesn't process sensory information effectively. This can happen in typically developing children as well as in children with autism, attention differences, or learning difficulties. The result can be sensory sensitivities, motor delays, and challenges with regulation, attention, and behaviour.

Three broad categories

• Sensory modulation — responding 'too much' or 'too little' to ordinary input (over-responsive, under-responsive, or sensory-seeking)
• Sensory discrimination — difficulty interpreting the details of sensory information (force, position, movement)
• Praxis (motor planning) difficulties — trouble planning and coordinating movement for everyday tasks

Over-responsive children may be bothered by loud sounds, clothing labels, haircuts, or messy hands. Sensory-seeking children may crash into things, chew objects, or constantly touch things for more input.

What sensory-integration therapy involves

Therapy is tailored to each child and often looks like play — but every activity is carefully planned to support sensory processing, body awareness, motor planning, and regulation. Swinging, climbing, balancing, obstacle courses, and targeted activities build skills, with the therapist and family setting shared goals. As progress is made, sessions shift towards more skill-based activities.