Sensory Integration

Diagnosis & Treatment

Understanding & helping children with sensory disorders.

Children who are labeled "hyperactive" or "overly sensitive" often have sensory modulation difficulties and can be helped with therapies and a few carefully selected toys at home.

What Is Sensory Integration?
It is the organizing, processing, and interpreting of information from movement, touch, sound, visual input, taste, and gravity that allows us to interact with our world.

What Is Sensory Modulation?
Modulation refers to the central nervous system's ability to regulate its own activity. Modulation used in this sense refers to the tendency of the central nervous system to generate responses that are appropriately graded in relation to incoming sensory information, rather than to underreact or overreact to the information.

How Do I Recognize a Sensory Seeker?
A sensory seeker may be a child who is "on the go", is a risk taker, has to touch and experience everything, makes noises, gets overly excited with movement, or jumps from activity to activity.

How Do I Recognize a Sensory Avoider?
A sensory avoider may be a child who avoids crowds, covers his/her ears to filter out noises, is afraid of swings or heights, is a very picky eater, or one who prefers sedentary play.

What Test Is Used for a Sensory Integration Evaluation?
The Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) is used for children ranging in age from 4 years, 6 months to 8 years, 11 months.

What Tests Are Used for Sensory Modulation and/or Sensory Defensiveness Evaluations?
Children's Care Rehabilitation Center applies sensory profiles, questionnaires, family discussion and observations, and professional observations of the child to determine if a child may have sensory modulation disorder and/or sensory defensiveness.

Who Can Perform Sensory Integration Evaluations, and Where Can I Go for Sensory Integration-Based Occupational Therapy for My Child?
Children's Care Rehabilitation Center has staff trained and certified in sensory integration-based testing and treatment. We have an expansive variety of sensory integration-based therapeutic equipment to help your child with their individualized therapy program. Please contact us at (605) 782-2400 for more information about sensory integration and the therapy we can provide at Children's Care Rehabilitation Center for children with sensory-based disorders.

"Children's Care Hospital & School was the lifeline our family needed when we realized nothing else was working successfully for our daughter, who has Angelman Syndrome. The consistent daily structure has been essential to helping her get control of her behaviors and therefore be pleased with herself. The staff is all about our daughter and helping her to be the best she can be."

– Linda C., Parent

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