Sensory integration is not accepted everywhere, but it is included in this section on the basis that it is provided by occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists who incorporate it into their practice. It works on the principle that children who do not experience touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound, gravity and other sensory experiences in the normal way will experience dysfunction in information processing, development and behaviour. It originated with Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist. The child is tested and then taught to seek out the sensory experiences they need in three areas; tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive.
A Sensory Integration Network has been set up for the UK And Ireland, 26 Leopardstown Grove, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland, www.sensoryintegration.org.uk. Full membership is open to therapists, and parents can become associate members. The Network plans to produce information for parents, and increase the sensory integration research base, which is currently not very strong. It may be possible to find a practitioner through the Network, or an interest in sensory integration may be identified on the registers of the three therapy professions involved (qq.v.)
Britt-Compton, E. How effective is Sensory Integration Therapy for children with Learning Disabilities who experience motor performance dysfunction? - A Critical Review of the Literature. University of Liverpool, School of Occupational Therapy.
www.liv.ac.uk/occupationaltherapy/abstracts.htm
