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How Does Sensory Integration Therapy Help Kids?

How Does Sensory Integration Therapy Help Kids?

A Parent’s Guide by Pranaah Child Development Centre, Kollam

Under the leadership of Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist, and the Occupational Therapy Team at Pranaah CDC

Many parents feel worried when their child is extremely sensitive to sound, avoids certain textures, gets overwhelmed in crowds, or is constantly “on the move.” At Pranaah Child Development Centre, under the guidance of Dr. Devi Raj and our skilled team of occupational therapists, we often hear parents ask:
  • “Why does my child cover their ears?”

  • “Why is my child so hyperactive?”

  • “Why does my child avoid certain clothes or foods?”

  • “What exactly is sensory integration therapy?”

  • “How does it help children?”

If your child struggles with sensory processing, this article will help you understand how Sensory Integration (SI) Therapy can make a life-changing difference.

Sensory Integration Therapy

What Is Sensory Integration?

Sensory integration is the brain’s ability to:

  • Receive information from the senses

  • Organize it

  • Respond appropriately

Children learn, play, communicate, and behave based on how well their brain processes:

  • Touch

  • Sound

  • Sight

  • Movement

  • Balance

  • Body awareness

  • Taste and smell

When the brain struggles to manage these inputs, it leads to Sensory Processing Difficulties.


What Are Sensory Processing Difficulties?

Children with sensory challenges may:

  • Overreact to sensations (e.g., covering ears, avoiding touch)

  • Underreact to sensations (e.g., seeking deep pressure, crashing into things)

  • Have trouble focusing

  • Struggle with coordination or motor skills

  • Become easily overwhelmed or emotional

  • Avoid new experiences

These challenges affect learning, behaviour, and everyday routines—both at home and school.


How Sensory Integration Therapy Helps Kids

At Pranaah CDC, sensory integration therapy is guided by Dr. Devi Raj and delivered by our trained occupational therapists using evidence-based, child-friendly techniques.

Here’s how SI therapy helps:

1️⃣ Improves Focus and Attention

For children who get distracted easily or jump from one activity to another, SI therapy helps regulate their sensory system so they can:

  • Sit longer

  • Follow instructions

  • Participate in classroom tasks

2️⃣ Reduces Hyperactivity and Restlessness

Children who constantly move, jump, or crash into things may be “seeking sensory input.”SI therapy gives them the right kind of input in a structured way, helping them:

  • Feel calmer

  • Reduce impulsivity

  • Improve self-control

3️⃣ Builds Emotional Regulation

Many meltdowns happen because children feel overwhelmed by sensory overload.SI therapy helps them learn how to:

  • Manage emotions

  • Handle sensory triggers

  • Cope with loud sounds, textures, or movements

This reduces tantrums and improves behaviour.

4️⃣ Improves Motor Skills and Coordination

Children develop better:

  • Balance

  • Muscle tone

  • Hand-eye coordination

  • Body awareness

This helps with sports, climbing, writing, dressing, and playing.

5️⃣ Supports Speech and Social Communication

When sensory systems are regulated, children can:

  • Pay attention to people

  • Respond to their name

  • Take turns

  • Engage in play

  • Learn new words

  • Attend to therapy activities

This is especially important for children with autism, ADHD, or global developmental delays.

6️⃣ Helps With Daily Living Skills

SI therapy improves a child’s tolerance for:

  • Brushing teeth

  • Haircuts

  • Wearing clothes

  • Eating different textures

  • Bathing

  • Sitting at the table

This builds independence and confidence.


What Does Sensory Integration Therapy Look Like at Pranaah?

Under Dr. Devi Raj’s leadership, the Occupational Therapy team uses:

  • Swings (vestibular input)

  • Trampolines

  • Balance boards

  • Sensory tunnels

  • Weighted items

  • Brushes and tactile tools

  • Fine motor activities

  • Obstacle courses

  • Deep pressure and proprioceptive activities

  • Calming corner strategies

Therapy is fun, engaging, and play-based, ensuring children enjoy the process while making steady progress.


Who Benefits From Sensory Integration Therapy?

SI therapy is beneficial for children with:

  • Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • ADHD

  • Developmental Delays

  • Behavioural and emotional challenges

  • Poor focus or hyperactivity

  • Feeding or tactile aversions

  • Poor coordination

  • Learning difficulties

🧠 Early Intervention Makes a Big Difference

The brain develops rapidly in early years.Early SI therapy helps children:

✔ Learn faster✔ Build better social skills✔ Improve behaviour✔ Achieve independence✔ Excel in school


🏥 Pranaah Child Development Centre: A Trusted Place for Sensory Integration

Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist, leads a highly skilled team of occupational therapists who specialise in:

  • Sensory Integration Therapy

  • Behaviour Support

  • Early Learning Support

  • Parent Coaching

  • Individualised Therapy Programs

Families trust Pranaah because therapy is holistic, evidence-based, and child-centered.


📞 **Concerned About Your Child’s Sensory Needs?

We’re Here to Help.**

Pranaah Child Development Centre – Kollam, Kerala, Supporting children through compassionate, science-driven early intervention.

FAQ: How Sensory Integration Therapy Helps Kids

1. How do I know if my child needs sensory integration therapy?

If your child shows extreme sensitivity, hyperactivity, poor focus, constant movement, or difficulty with daily routine, it’s worth getting an assessment.

2. Is sensory integration therapy only for children with autism or ADHD?

No. Any child with sensory processing challenges—delays, anxiety, feeding issues, or behavioural difficulties—can benefit.

3. How long does sensory integration therapy take?

Every child is different. Some show improvement within months; others benefit from ongoing support.

4. What age is best for sensory integration therapy?

Early childhood (0–6 years) is the most effective period, but older children also benefit.

5. Can parents continue sensory activities at home?

Yes. Pranaah’s therapists provide customised home programs for faster progress.

6. Who provides SI therapy at Pranaah?

Sensory integration therapy is provided by trained Occupational Therapists under the guidance of Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist.

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