Sensory experiences include touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound, smell, taste and the pull of gravity. The process of the brain organising and interpreting this information is called Sensory Integration. Sensory Integration provides a crucial foundation for later, more complex learning and behaviour.

For most children, sensory integration develops in the course of normal childhood development. Motor planning ability is a natural outcome of this process, as is the ability to adapt to incoming sensations. But, for some children, sensory integration does not develop as efficiently as it should. When this process is disordered, a number of problems in learning, development and behaviour may become evident, such as:

• Hyperactivity
• High risktaking
• Clumsiness
• Sensitive to touch
• Problems with balance
• Poor awareness of pain
• Listening to loud sounds
• Poor motor skills
• Self injury

Therapy sessions are play-oriented and may include using equipment such as swings, trampolines, and slides.  Sensory integration also uses therapies such as deep pressure, brushing and weighted vests. These therapies are be able to calm an anxious child and help them cope better with their environment.