Sensory therapy in clinics
Sensory integration forms the foundation of modern therapeutic practice, focusing on challenges in sensory processing among individuals of various ages and conditions. From children with developmental disorders to adults recovering from neurological impairments, this approach has proven effective in fostering positive physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Sensory integration therapy utilizes tailored interventions to address the specific needs of each individual, making it a key element of support in clinical settings. Continuing this blog, we will explore its main benefits, innovative tools, and applications that make this therapy a transformative part of contemporary rehabilitation approaches.
Understanding Sensory Integration
Sensory integration refers to the neurological process by which the body receives, processes, and organizes sensory information from the environment and within the body. This process may be disrupted in some individuals, leading to difficulties in daily functioning, learning, and behavior (Lockett, 2022). Children with sensory integration difficulties may exhibit hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli, significantly affecting their ability to participate in everyday activities and demonstrate appropriate, adaptive responses (Barton et al., 2015).
Sensory integration treatment involves structured interventions to activate and regulate information received through various sensory systems—visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive. This therapeutic approach has shown particular effectiveness in individuals with developmental difficulties such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), functional neurological disorders, and dementia.
For example, research has shown that sensory-based occupational therapy can significantly improve sensory processing patterns in patients with functional neurological disorders, leading to better clinical outcomes when individualized interventions are applied (McCombs et al., 2024).
It is essential to emphasize that this approach allows for the individual adaptation of treatment and sensory input to meet each person’s specific needs, making it an extremely valuable component of modern therapeutic practice.
Using sensory integration in clinics
Occupational therapists most commonly achieve sensory integration therapy in specially equipped rooms that provide a variety of sensory stimuli. The goal is to enable individuals to experience different types of sensory input—such as tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive stimuli—in a structured and controlled environment to improve their ability to process and respond to sensory information. This form of intervention has proven especially beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and cerebral palsy (Lockett, 2022).
Key Benefits of Sensory Therapy
The benefits of sensory therapy for users can be numerous, encompassing various health conditions and age groups. In individuals who have survived a stroke, intensive sensory integration treatment has proven effective in improving upper limb function and activities of daily living. Significant improvements in motor function and quality of life are observed when sensory therapy is combined with conventional rehabilitation methods (Rohat Yazici & Cehmece, 2024).
Similar positive outcomes have been recorded in the implementation of multisensory stimulation programs for individuals with dementia, where reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety were observed, along with stabilization of cognitive decline (Maneemai et al., 2024).
It is important to highlight that sensory integration therapy is not exclusively reserved for children with developmental difficulties. Research has confirmed its effectiveness in this context as well, particularly in improving social skills, adaptive behavior, sensory processing, and both gross and fine motor skills (Lockett, 2022).
A meta-analysis of 24 studies further confirmed the positive effects of this therapy, primarily when delivered individually in 40-minute sessions. These findings demonstrate sensory integration's broad applicability and therapeutic value in various clinical contexts (Tulliani et al., 2023).
Innovative Tools and Techniques
Modern clinics today use a variety of tools to implement effective sensory interventions. One such innovative solution is our sensory castle, SENcastle. It represents a sensory room in miniature, and in clinics that often lack the space to dedicate solely to sensory integration, it offers an ideal solution for creating a sensory corner.
One of its main advantages is its ability to adapt to each user's individual needs. A wide selection of sensory cards, along with the spacious interior of the SENcastle itself, allows it to be used with different age groups and a variety of developmental difficulties and conditions.
The Role of Multisensory Environments
Multisensory spaces, which offer a combination of various forms of sensory stimulation—such as light, sound, scent, touch, and vibration—are becoming increasingly popular in clinical settings due to their adaptability and effectiveness.
Initially developed for individuals with developmental difficulties, these spaces are now being used more widely across other populations, including older adults with dementia and those with severe cognitive or physical impairments. Through controlled sensory experiences, they promote relaxation, reduce agitation, and improve users’ emotional well-being while encouraging engagement through simple and individually tailored experiences.
Various sensory tools and technologies within these spaces further enhance the therapeutic effects of sensory integration. One modern example of this approach is SENcastle—an innovative multisensory space that combines sensory integration with assistive technology. By providing input for five sensory systems and using intuitive, non-intrusive technology, SENcastle represents a new step forward in the development and accessibility of multisensory environments across different support and rehabilitation contexts.
In conclusion, sensory integration therapy represents a key and valuable element of modern clinical practice, especially in supporting individuals with sensory processing difficulties. Its ability to address complex sensory processing challenges through evidence-based and individualized interventions makes it indispensable in improving the quality of life for diverse user groups.
Sensory therapy uses innovative tools and approaches to enable better adaptation and functioning in daily activities and social interactions. As research and practice continue to evolve, this approach will surely reach new levels of innovation in the healthcare field.
References:
· Barton, E. E., Reichow, B., Schnitz, A., Smith, I. C., and Sherlock, D. (2015). A systematic review of sensory-based treatments for children with disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 37, 64–80.
· Lockett, E. (2022). Understanding Sensory Integration. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/sensory-integration
· Lockett, E. (2022). How Does Sensory Integration Therapy Work? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/sensory-integration-therapy
· Maneemai, O., Cujilan Alvarado, M. C., Donoso Triviño, A. J., Franco Coffré, J. A., Pratico, D., Schwartz, K., Tesfaye, T., and Yamasaki, T. (2024). Sensory Integration: A Novel Approach for Healthy Ageing and Dementia Management. Brain Sciences, 285.
· McCombs, K. E., MacLean, J., Finkelstein, S. A., Goedeken, S., Perez, D. L., and Ranford, J. (2024). Sensory Processing Difficulties and Occupational Therapy Outcomes for Functional Neurological Disorder. Neurology: Clinical Practice, 14(3).
· Rohat Yazıcı, M., and Cekmece, C. (2024). The Effect of Sensory Therapy on Upper Extremity Functions and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial. MedRxiv.
· Tulliani, N., Mills, C., Collison, L., Peel, N., Fahey, P. P., and Liu, K. (2023). PROTOCOL: The effectiveness of sensory interventions targeted at improving occupational outcomes, quality of life, well-being and behavioural and psychological symptoms for older adults living with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 19(2).