How Sensory Integration Therapy Helps Kids: A Complete Guide

Sensory Integration Therapy is a specialized occupational therapy approach that helps children who struggle with processing information from their senses. At Pranaah Child Development Centre in Kollam, under the expert guidance of Dr. Devi Raj, Developmental Psychologist, Licensed Early Interventionist, and Chief Interventionist, we've witnessed remarkable transformations in children through this evidence-based therapy.

What is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory Integration Therapy, developed by Dr. A. Jean Ayres, is based on the understanding that the brain must organize all the sensory information it receives (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement, balance) to produce appropriate responses. When this process is disrupted, children experience sensory processing disorders that affect their daily functioning.

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How It Helps Children: The Science Behind the Therapy

1. Regulates the Nervous System

Children with sensory processing issues often have a disorganized nervous system. Our therapy helps "retune" their sensory system, making them less reactive to sensory input and more adaptable to different environments. This is particularly beneficial for children who are either sensory seekers (constantly touching, crashing, spinning) or sensory avoiders (covering ears, avoiding textures).

2. Improves Attention and Focus

When a child's brain is preoccupied with processing sensory information (like the feel of their clothing or background noise), they have less cognitive energy for learning. Sensory integration therapy helps filter out irrelevant sensory information, allowing children to concentrate better in school and during activities.

3. Enhances Motor Skills and Coordination

Many sensory processing difficulties manifest as clumsiness, poor balance, or difficulty with fine motor tasks. Through carefully designed activities on swings, balance beams, and therapeutic equipment, we help children develop better body awareness, coordination, and motor planning skills.

4. Reduces Behavioral Challenges

What appears as behavioral problems (tantrums, aggression, withdrawal) often stems from sensory overload or sensory-seeking behaviors. By addressing the root sensory issues, we help children develop self-regulation skills, reducing meltdowns and improving emotional control.

5. Boosts Social Interaction

Children who feel overwhelmed by sensory input often avoid social situations. As they become more comfortable in their bodies and environments through therapy, they become more willing to engage with peers, participate in group activities, and develop friendships.

6. Supports Academic Readiness

A child who can sit comfortably, hold a pencil properly, focus on the teacher, and filter out classroom noise is ready to learn. Sensory integration therapy addresses all these foundational skills, making academic success more achievable.

Our Approach at Pranaah Centre, Kollam

Dr. Devi Raj and our team of certified Occupational Therapists create individualized sensory diets and therapy plans that:

• Are child-led and play-based

• Use specialized equipment in our sensory gym

• Incorporate therapeutic activities into functional tasks

• Include parent training for home carryover

• Are regularly assessed and modified based on progress

Serving the families with our professional services from Kollam, Kottarakkara, Karunagapally, Kayamkulam, Kundara, Paripally, Punalur, Pathanapuram, Varkkala etc., we provide comprehensive sensory integration therapy that has helped countless children across the Kollam district thrive.

Comprehensive FAQ: Sensory Integration Therapy at Pranaah Centre, Kollam

Q1: What is sensory integration therapy and who needs it?
A: Sensory Integration Therapy is a specialized form of occupational therapy that helps children who have difficulty processing sensory information. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Delays, or those who are overly sensitive to sounds/textures or constantly seek sensory input can benefit significantly.

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Q2: How do I know if my child has sensory processing issues?
A: Common signs include: extreme reactions to textures/tags in clothing, covering ears to normal sounds, avoiding messy play, constant movement/crashing into things, poor balance/coordination, picky eating related to food textures, difficulty with transitions, or being easily overwhelmed in busy environments. A formal assessment by our Occupational Therapists can provide clarity.

Q3: What does a typical sensory integration therapy session at Pranaah look like?
A: Sessions are play-based and child-directed in our specially designed sensory gym. Activities may include swinging, climbing, jumping on trampolines, tactile play with various textures, balance activities, and heavy work exercises. The therapist carefully observes the child's responses and adapts activities to meet their specific sensory needs.

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Q4: How long does it take to see results from sensory integration therapy?
A: Most parents notice initial improvements in behavior and regulation within 4-8 weeks of consistent therapy (typically 1-2 sessions per week). Significant functional improvements in daily activities and skills usually become evident after 6 months to a year of regular therapy, depending on the child's needs.

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Q5: What is a "sensory diet" and how do parents implement it at home?
A: A sensory diet is a personalized set of activities created by our Occupational Therapists to be done at home and school. It provides the right type and amount of sensory input a child needs throughout the day to stay regulated. We train parents on simple activities like deep pressure massages, wall pushes, chewing crunchy foods, or using weighted blankets that can be easily incorporated into daily routines.

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Q6: Is sensory integration therapy only for young children?
A: While early intervention is most effective, we successfully work with children of all ages, including teenagers. For older children, therapy focuses more on self-regulation strategies, environmental modifications, and coping mechanisms that they can use independently in school and social situations.

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Q7: How does sensory integration therapy help with autism specifically?
A: For children with autism, sensory integration therapy helps reduce sensory sensitivities or seeking behaviors that interfere with learning and social interaction. By helping them process sensory information more effectively, we see improvements in attention, reduced self-stimulatory behaviors, better tolerance of different environments, and increased willingness to engage in social activities.

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Q8: What qualifications do your sensory integration therapists have?
A: Our Occupational Therapists are certified professionals with specialized training in Sensory Integration from recognized institutions. They work under the supervision of Dr. Devi Raj and regularly participate in continuing education to stay updated with the latest evidence-based practices in sensory integration.

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Q9: Do you provide sensory integration therapy for children from areas like Kottarakkara and Kayamkulam?
A: Absolutely. Pranaah Centre serves families from Kollam, Kottarakkara, Karunagapally, Kayamkulam, Kundara, and surrounding areas. We understand the travel commitment and work with families to create sustainable therapy schedules. We also provide comprehensive home programs so parents can continue therapeutic activities between sessions.

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Q10: How is progress measured in sensory integration therapy?
A: We use standardized assessments initially and then track progress through: parent-reported changes in daily functioning, therapist observations during sessions, achievement of specific therapy goals, and periodic re-assessments. We maintain detailed progress notes and have regular parent meetings to discuss improvements and adjust therapy plans.

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Q11: Can sensory integration therapy be combined with other therapies?
A: Yes, and we highly recommend it. At Pranaah, we offer an integrated approach where our Occupational Therapists work closely with Speech Therapists, Behavioral Therapists, and Special Educators. This coordinated approach ensures all aspects of the child's development are addressed holistically.

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Q12: What equipment is used in sensory integration therapy at your centre?
A: Our sensory gym is equipped with: various types of therapeutic swings (platform, bolster, hammock), climbing walls, crash pads, balance beams, trampolines, tactile walls, ball pits, weighted vests, therapy balls, and a range of proprioceptive and vestibular equipment designed specifically for sensory integration work.

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Q13: How can I get my child assessed for sensory integration therapy at Pranaah?
A: Contact our centre to schedule an initial consultation and comprehensive sensory processing assessment. The assessment typically includes clinical observations, standardized testing, and detailed parent interviews to understand your child's specific sensory challenges and strengths.

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“Dr Devi Raj, Developmental Psychologist, Licensed Early Interventionist, Chief Interventionist  at Pranaah Child Development Centre serving families from Kollam, Kottarakkara, Karunagapally, Kayamkulam, Kundara, Paripally, Punalur, Pathanapuram, Varkkala etc from the last 13 years..”

For Assessments and Appointments call: +919446010728 / 9037347726 / 8078971738