How Is Sensory Integration Disorder Treated?

Sensory Integration Disorder (SID) is also known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Both terms represent a neurological condition in which the sufferer struggles to process sensory information.  It is more common in children and represents anywhere between 5% - 16% of the population.

The types of sensory information that are difficult for a person with SID to process include auditory, visual, tactile, and cognitive. In other words, sights, sounds, textures, and social interactions can quickly overwhelm a child or adult with Sensory Integration Disorder. 

That said, there are many treatment options available for sufferers of SID. With time, symptoms can be managed and the condition coped with and prognosis improved. At Neal Psychology Specialists, we believe there is always hope for a happier and healthier future. 

For now, the exact cause of SID is unknown. However, it’s believed there are both genetic and environmental components to the disorder. It’s most commonly found in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental conditions.

What Does Sensory Integration Disorder Look Like? 

Prior to diagnosis, it’s common for sufferers of SID to exhibit frustration, agitation, and even aggression. It’s also possible for untreated SID to affect sleep and self-esteem in negative ways. You may notice a person with SID also:

• Commonly covers their eyes or ears
• Enjoys chewing on non-food items
• Practices self-stimulating behavior like rocking back and forth or making repetitive noises
• Finds it difficult to identify sensations like pain, hunger, or the need to go to the bathroom
• Is easily overwhelmed
• Avoids certain clothing items or foods
• Overreacts or underreacts to certain sounds
• Exhibits behavioral problems

Like autism and other developmental conditions, the symptoms of Sensory Integration Disorder present on a spectrum. For some, the negative effects are mild. For others, the condition can cause extreme nausea, fear, and anxiety. When the symptoms of SID begin to affect a sufferer’s daily life, it’s time to seek professional help. 

The worst-case scenario is for severe SID to go undiagnosed and untreated. In those cases, it’s common for the sufferer to withdraw from social situations to avoid discomfort or overstimulation. Unavoidable sensations, like bright lights or the sound of traffic, can keep a person home when they would otherwise be living a full life. For this reason, we recommend diagnostic testing and treatment to introduce and strengthen a sufferer’s coping skills. 

How Is Sensory Integration Disorder Diagnosed?

Sensory Integration Disorder is, for now, not seen or recognized as an official medical condition. Instead, it’s more often viewed as a symptom of another underlying developmental condition. (However, there are many in the healthcare field who believe this should change.) 

That said, it is possible to receive an accurate diagnosis of SID with the help of an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. Typically, a standardized assessment tool like the Sensory Integration and Praxis tests is used to assess a person’s strengths and weaknesses and identify the best course of treatment. The Sensory Integration and Praxis tests consist of 17 separate tests which assess sensory processing. Diagnostic testing will also include clinical observations and evaluations. 

Do you believe a child or loved one has Sensory Integration Disorder? The best next step is to speak with their primary care provider who can make a referral to an Occupational Therapist. While an early diagnosis is helpful, there are plenty of options available for older children and adults to see improvement. 

What Are the Treatment Options for Sensory Integration Disorder?

Most Occupational Therapists offer “sensory integration therapy” for children and adults with SID. This type of treatment is twofold. First, the OT observes the child or adult to learn more about their experience with SID. After gathering the needed information, the sufferer is then introduced to a personalized “sensory gym.” Here they will have gradual exposure to swings, balance beams, weighted vests, ball pits, and specialized equipment. 

The goal of a “sensory gym” is to offer a range of activities that stimulate the affected senses. Over time, this exposure should help sufferers improve their body awareness, communication skills, memory, focus, and coping techniques. 

For children, this treatment works best in conjunction with other at-home therapies which are performed by the parents. Daily treatments work best in helping to rewire the brain. This, in turn, helps children feel more comfortable and improves their ability to function at home and school. For adults, home programs performed consistently can have similar results. 

Other treatments that may prove helpful include:

• Perceptual Motor Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Vision Therapy
• Hippotherapy

Again, the best way to identify the appropriate treatment plan is to work directly with your loved one’s primary care provider and occupational therapist.

Can Counseling Help a Person with Sensory Integration Disorder? 

Because Sensory Integration Disorder is a complex condition, it sometimes requires a complex solution. While counseling alone may not be all a sufferer of SID requires, it can be used as a complementary treatment to occupational therapy. 

The right counselor can help a child or adult with SID in these ways:

• Advocating for accommodations at home, school, or work
• Addressing the emotional distress caused by this disorder
• Teaching and strengthening coping skills
• Providing strategies for managing unexpected sensory experiences

At NPS, we don’t treat the disorder; we help the individual. This means we will build a relationship with your loved one and come to know them personally so we can identify triggers and find solutions that are practical and effective. We also work with parents and families to ensure everyone is on the same page and knows how to work through challenges together. 

Should I Call NPS? 

Our therapists are skilled, compassionate, and qualified. We have decades of experience in helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their loved ones. If you are ready to help your child or yourself find a healthier path forward, please don’t hesitate to call.

Our goal is always to find the best match between client and counselor. Schedule your free 15-minute meet and greet so we can make that happen! You can reach us at (815) 477-4727.