Sensory Integration

Every person has a distinct sensory profile that guides the unique way they experience the world around and within them.

"Sensations are food for the brain” 

-Jean Ayers

The Process

Sensory Integration is the whole process of taking in information through our senses, putting it together with information we already have (memories & knowledge), processing a plan, and responding in what way seems most appropriate.

It’s automatic because we do it thousands of times a day. Can you imagine if you had to “think through” every sense you encountered? Every sense impacts every other sense, while each part of the process is impacting the other parts of the process. The purpose of the system is to help the human body adapt and thrive through life experiences.

Handouts

  • Diagram explaining the five senses and their functions, including sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch, along with internal organs and body awareness related to inside the body.

    Our Senses

    Our senses provide information on the experience of life. They exist even if we don't have the words to label them. They are braided together in ways that determine how we perceive reality and the meaning we give our life. This handout details each of the eight.

  • An informational poster titled 'Sensory Integration' explaining the process of how humans take in and interpret sensory information. It describes the steps: Receive, Interpret, Combine, Decide, and Execute, with examples and explanations. The poster also details factors influencing sensory integration, including Safety, Sleep, and Nutrition, with icons and brief descriptions.

    Sensory Integration

    Sensory Integration is the whole process of taking in information through our senses, putting it together with information we already have (memories & knowledge), processing a plan, and responding in what way seems most appropriate. This handout explains the process and main factors that impact it.

  • An educational infographic about sensory dysfunction, covering sensory discrimination disorder, sensory modulation disorder, and sensory-based motor disorder, with definitions and examples.

    Sensory Dysfunction

    We all have sensory differences. Differences are not dysfunction. Sensory dysfunction is when something in the sensory integration process is limiting the participation in life. This handout describes the 3 main types.

  • Chart titled 'Sensory Sensitivities' describing different sensory profiles and preferences, including sensory seekers with hyperresponsive tendencies and sensory avoiders with hyposensitive tendencies, listing tastes, smells, touch, vestibular, proprioception, and interoception.

    Sensory Sensitivities

    When the brain wants more or less of a particular sense, it creates responses trying to get that change to self-regulate. This handout helps you identify these responses.

  • Page titled "Sensory Treatment" with sections on the role of adults and path to sensory health, including practicing skills, exploring, creating a plan, sensory integration, self-regulation, and relationships, with text and bullet points.

    Sensory Treatment

    Sensory health is more than a to-do list that is checked off each day. It is awareness, advocacy, and growth on both the part of the child and the adult. This handout outlines the process.

  • List of resources and references related to sensory health, including website URLs and academic citations, on a printed page.

    Sensory Resources

    There are a lot of amazing resources out there to learn more about sensory processing. This handout directs you to some of my favorites online resources and books referenced.

Download Sensory Handouts

“Children don't know how to ask for what they don't know they need. Their asking comes in the form of behavior.”

-Bonnie Harris