Sensory approaches

Sensory approaches are based on the principle that the human brain integrates a variety of sensory messages in order to form coherent information. These sensory messages can come from sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, positioning and others. The therapy's aim is to stimulate the nervous system that digests this sensory information.

The sensory integration approach is adopted for individuals with a sensory integration deficit, who have difficulty inhibiting certain useless sensory information (in the case of hypersensitivity) or, by contrast, who have difficulty noticing important sensory information (hyposensitivity). 

Treatment focusses primarily on tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation with a view to promoting better integration of sensory information at a central nervous system level and obtaining adapted responses. Stimuli are selected by the therapist according to the deficits observed. Therapy takes into account the emotional reactions that may be related to hyper or hyposensitivity.

Sensory experiences can include touch, controlled movements, balancing or passive sensory stimulation. The goal is for the person to develope responses adapted to these stimuli. Activities that offer the opportunity for the person to be exposed to sensory experiences are typically part of the treatment.