Sensory integration - anyone got experience? Is it "real"

[Michaelah]

Perhaps odd way to phrase the question, but am in the early stages of getting oriented, and there seem to be so many pitfalls (in the private therapy field) of providers creating issues to earn lots of money on - always comforting to hear of others' experiences.

DS (3.5) has speech and language issues, and I have only recently realised that some other behaviours which I thought were just his foibles (funny about touching textures, facinated by things that go round, scared of big buildings etc) may be lower level sensory integration issues instead. In an assessment OT was recommended, but would love to hear what this might involve, or what sens. int. might really mean for development from anyone who has been there, as it were

[madwomanintheattic]

dd2 (cerebral palsy) was very sensitive to touch, noise and light. we made our way through it ourselves tbh (not quickly or easily, but successfully) with trial and error and gradually getting her accustomed to different things.

if you post this on the sn board, there are lots of kids who have had OT SI stuff i think...

[pagwatch]

DS2 has sensory issues. We too have found our way through it - although one OT did help me realise that DS2 needs strong physical massage at times to calm him down which has been a huge help. I had assumed that he was asking for 'hugs' for affection when it is actually to 'deaden' his sensation and allow him to calm himself.
He has also taught himself to keep his coat on and his hood up when he needs to block the world out a bit.

Loads of ways it impacts DS2 . So yes - it is real.
DS2s OT was huge help and other than her one off fee we were never encouraged to spend anything and never have.

[coppertop]

I have 2 boys with sensory issues as part of their autism. Over the years they've had lots of help with it and it's made a big difference.

Ds1 used to have very sensitive hands, which meant that he avoided touching things wherever posible. At pre-school they did things like replacing the sand in the sand box with other materials for him to try, eg cornflakes, soil, seeds. He was also encouraged to try dipping one fingertip in shaving foam or paint. As time went on he was able to tolerate much more.

There are also special exercises which OTs can help with. They involve things like using a trampoline, using a gym ball, walking in particular patterns and things like that. It's the kind of thing that always looks as though it shouldn't make a difference but it really works.

There is also something called auditory integration which usually involves listening to pieces of music through headphones. The idea is that it helps to 're-train' the brain and also helps with sensitivity to noise.

Help for sensory integration issues has made a lot of difference in terms of the things and activities that my children can now access. I would recommend it.

[Michaelah]

Thank you so much chaps - really helpful