Sensory Integration Lab

September 26, 2013
by Jen

Classes What are OS/OT?

This week in my pediatric lectures, we have been learning about sensory integration, which is a theory based on neuroscience that provides perspective for appreciating the sensory dimensions of human behavior. When someone is not processing sensory information appropriately, they may have sensory integrative dysfunction. During an occupation therapy assessment the occupational therapist may notice signs of dysfunction, including: delays in fine motor and gross motor development, decreased strength and endurance, low muscle tone, decreased balance, poor body awareness, poor self-regulation or difficulty with social and emotional development. The occupational therapist may then choose to use fun sensory integration intervention strategies to enhance information processing so that a child can engage more appropriately in everyday life. Pediatric occupational therapy can look a lot like play, but it takes a lot of skill to make it appear that way.

This week in my pediatric lab, we experimented with the different equipment in the sensory integration laboratory in the CHP building at the Division. The laboratory is full of equipment that provides tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular exploration opportunities for a child (and even for an adult!). The equipment promotes both sensory and motor activities. We discovered different ways to challenge each other in terms of coordination, balance, and body control, and had a ton of fun doing it!

Here is a photo of some of my fellow classmates:

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