Sensory integration – what is it and why is it important?

Sensory integration (SI) is the process by which the brain gathers, processes, and interprets information from various senses: touch, hearing, sight, smell, proprioception (deep sensation), and the sense of movement and balance. This allows us to respond appropriately to environmental stimuli, learn new tasks, concentrate, and function in daily life. But what exactly is sensory integration? Why is it so important for a child’s development?

What is Sensory Integration?

Sensory integration is a crucial process that begins in fetal life and develops intensively in the early years of a child’s life. It helps the brain recognize, organize, and utilize sensory information. For example, when a child touches a toy, their brain receives signals from touch receptors, interprets them, and decides how to react. The same applies to sounds, smells, and visual stimuli.

This process is essential for developing skills appropriate to the child’s developmental stage, such as grasping objects, maintaining balance, or responding to sounds. Any disruption in processing these stimuli may cause delays in achieving these skills. Proper sensory integration also affects a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. That is why it is crucial to observe whether a child’s sensory processing is developing correctly during infancy and early childhood.

Sensory Integration Disorders – What Are They and How to Recognize Them?

Unfortunately, not all children undergo proper sensory integration. Sensory integration disorders occur when the nervous system incorrectly processes sensory information, leading to inadequate responses to the intensity and type of stimuli. Sensory disorders can manifest in different ways, depending on which senses are affected. They include:

• Sensory discrimination disorders – difficulties in recognizing and interpreting stimuli,
• Sensory modulation disorders – hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli such as touch, sounds, or light,
• Motor coordination disorders – difficulties with coordination, balance, or movement planning.

Symptoms of sensory integration disorders vary. A child may struggle with concentration, avoid certain activities (e.g., playground games), or, conversely, seek intense sensory experiences. They may also have difficulty learning new tasks, communicating, or building relationships with peers.

How can parents observe signs of sensory integration disorders?

Hypersensitivity and Hyposensitivity – Two Faces of Sensory Disorders

Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli manifests as an excessive reaction to touch, sounds, smells, or light. A child may avoid hugs, cover their ears when hearing loud noises, or refuse to eat certain foods due to their smell.

On the other hand, hyposensitivity is reduced responsiveness to stimuli. A child may not react to pain, seek intense sensations (e.g., tight hugs), or struggle to recognize signals from their own body, such as hunger or fatigue.

Why Is Sensory Integration Important?

Proper sensory integration is fundamental to a child’s development. It enables children to learn about the world in the most effective way and develop appropriate responses. Sensory integration impacts learning ability, concentration, relationship-building skills, and emotional regulation. When this process functions correctly, a child can effectively learn new skills such as writing, reading, or riding a bike.

However, sensory integration disorders can lead to difficulties in daily functioning. A child may struggle with motor coordination, concentration, or communication. They may also experience frustration, anxiety, or withdrawal, affecting their emotional and social development.

Sensory Integration Therapy (SI Therapy) – How Does It Work?

If parents notice difficulties in any area of their child’s development, consulting a Sensory Integration Therapist is recommended to assess whether the child is processing stimuli correctly. Sensory integration therapy (SI therapy) consists of activities designed to help children process sensory stimuli properly. It is usually conducted in a specially equipped sensory integration room with various therapeutic tools and equipment such as swings, trampolines, balance boards, and textured materials.

SI therapy follows an individualized approach for each child. The therapist selects sensory integration exercises that stimulate the senses and support proper responses to stimuli. Examples include:

• Exercises stimulating the tactile system – e.g., playing with modeling clay, kinetic sand, or different textures,
• Exercises supporting the sense of balance – e.g., swinging, jumping on a trampoline, or walking on a balance beam,
• Sensory play activities – e.g., sensory obstacle courses, water play, light, or sound stimulation.

After an initial diagnosis, SI therapy can also be conducted at home under a therapist’s guidance. Parents receive recommendations on how to support their child’s sensory development through simple activities such as massages, ball games, or balance exercises. However, it is beneficial to visit a fully equipped sensory integration room.

The Sensory Integration Room – What It Looks Like and Why It Matters

A sensory integration room is a specially designed space that stimulates all senses. The equipment in a sensory integration room includes:

• Swings and hammocks that stimulate the sense of movement and balance,
• Materials with different textures that develop the sense of touch,
• Proprioception training tools such as sensory cushions, rollers, and compression tunnels,
• Elements stimulating sight, hearing, and smell, such as colorful lights, musical instruments, or aromatherapy.

This room is not only a space for therapy but also an environment where children can freely explore their senses and learn appropriate responses to stimuli.

Conclusion

Sensory integration is a process that significantly impacts a child’s development. When functioning properly, a child can effectively learn, build relationships, and regulate emotions. However, sensory integration disorders can lead to difficulties in daily life.

SI therapy, conducted in a specialized sensory integration room, can help children process sensory stimuli properly and develop sensory skills. It is also essential for parents to support their child’s sensory integration at home through sensory play and exercises that stimulate touch, hearing, and balance.

Every child is unique, and sensory integration development is a process that requires time, patience, and support. With proper therapy and sensory stimulation, we can help children reach their full potential.

Learn more about the KIDS&Co. kindergarten and nursery program, which includes sensory activities. Our facilities are located in the following cities:

• private preschools and nurseries in Warsaw
• private preschools and nurseries in Wrocław
• private preschools and nurseries in Gdańsk
• private preschools and nurseries in Łódź
• private preschools and nurseries in Kraków
• private preschools and nurseries in Katowice
• private preschools and nurseries in Poznań
• private preschools and nurseries in Suwałki
• private preschools and nurseries in Ostrów Mazowiecka