Sensory Integration Theory Flashcards
What are the seven main senses?
- Visual
- Auditory
- Olfactory
- Gustatory
- Tactile
- Vestibular
- Proprioceptive
What is the difference between the vestibular and proprioceptive senses?
Vestibular: a person’s response to gravity and detection of movement and head position in space.
Proprioceptive: Feedback from muscles, tendons and joints about movements and limb positions.
What is sensory integration?
The process of organising input from our sensory systems and environment so that we can appropriately interact with our environment
What parts of the brain are involved in SI and how?
Brainstem: Thalamus, vestibular nuclei and reticular formation.
Limbic system: Fight or flight, emotions and arousal.
Cerebellum: Processing input related to gravity and movement
Cortex: Praxis/motor planning and ideation
What are the four steps involved in SI?
- Receive information from one or more system.
- Register that it is there.
- Sort which stimuli are important and what we can ignore.
- Make an adaptive response/appropriate action to the relevant input.
What is sensory integration dysfunction?
It occurs when the brain is not able to organise or efficiently comprehend sensory information
What are the three main areas that sensory integration dysfunction occurs?
- Sensory modulation difficulties.
- Sensory discrimination difficulties.
- Sensory motor difficulties.
What does sensory modulation impact on?
Arousal
What is sensory modulation?
The processing of information in the CNS that allows us to know what is important to focus on and what isn’t.
What is arousal?
How alert a person feels.
It impacts on attention and emotional regulation.
Describe a child’s optimal arousal zone
The child is calm, their behaviour is organised and they can take in new info, think and interact with others.
What does Dunn’s Sensory model propose?
That there is a relationship between neurological threshold and behavioural response.
What is a nervous system threshold?
The point at which there is enough sensory input to cause a nerve cell or system to activate.
Describe a low threshold
A person will notice and respond to lot’s of stimuli as their system is sensitive and easily activated.
Describe a high threshold
A person will miss stimuli because their system needs stronger stimuli to be activated.
What are the two types of behavioural responses to stimuli?
Passive: A person does nothing to modify the input.
Active: A person acts to avoid or obtain, or increase or decrease the sensory input.
According to Dunn’s model, describe the “registration/bystander” child
Passive behavioural response Decreased sensitivity (high threshold)
- “zoned out”
- Requires stronger input but does nothing to abstain it.
- Appears uninterested and like they have low energy.
According to Dunn’s model, describe the “seeking” child
Active behavioural response Decreased sensitivity (high threshold)
- “active/disruptive child”
- Actively seeks input
- Explores the environment and can be disruptive
According to Dunn’s model, describe the “sensitivity/sensor” child
Passive behavioural response Increased sensitivity (low threshold)
- “distractible child”
- Takes in alot of input but does nothing to control or stop it.
- May appear cautious ad easily upset
According to Dunn’s model, describe the “avoiding/avoider” child
Active behavioural response Increased sensitivity (low threshold)
- “difficult child”
- Takes in alot of input, but tries to escape/control it
- Upset by change and seeks environments with minimal sensory input
What are the three approaches based on sensory integration theory?
- Golden - Sensory based strategies (Ashburner model)
- Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy
- Sensory stimulation protocols
What are the two aims of sensory based intervention (Ashburner’s model)?
- To improve PEO fit, enhance attention and arousal and improve participation.
- To provide sensory input from daily routine to improve motor control.
It is important to be clear what aim you are working towards with a child, sometimes it can both. Just be clear about it.
What is special about proprioceptive input?
It works to regulate and arouse people.
Why is it important to information share?
- Supports parents and teachers to understand what sensory integration is and how this may be impacting a child’s behaviour.
- Helps parents understand their own sensory patterns.
What are four aims of sensory-based interventions?
- Use sensory strategies to improve performance and participation (taking a top down approach).
- Assist caregivers to understand the sensory contribution to a child’s behaviour.
- Maintain an optimal level of arousal for learning.
- Learn self-regulation strategies.
