Sensory

Sensory integration assessments and intervention

Sensory integration is a theory that was founded by Dr Jean Ayres based on the assumption that enhancing and changing sensory input creates adaptive responses and then improves our ability to process sensation and enhance learning and behaviour. It is a developmental approach, therefore unless the basic sensory systems have been functioning correctly and stimulated appropriately in early life, there will be difficulty forming higher skills. Trauma OT therapists use this approach to assess someone’s sensory integration and processing skills but in the event childhood trauma an additional focus on interpersonal attachment patterns can be also very important.

Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI)

SAI aims to “enable parents and children to learn the art of self-regulation through the use of sensory and engagement strategies” (Bhreathnach 2013). SAI can be used with children and adults who have been exposed to developmental trauma. Trauma OT therapists can use a sensory attachment informed approach to explore how much of what you/ your children is presenting with is coming from a body-based (sensory processing) or interpersonal (attachment) survival response. Attachment patterns are linked to our early sensory experiences. It is common for people who have attachment difficulties to also experience sensory processing difficulties, which affect their ability to self-regulate and in turn move in a coordinated way and carry out skills of daily life. At Trauma OT we can look at ways for you or your child to stay calm and alert in what whatever environment you are in, to avoid a sense of overwhelm. The Just Right State programme can be delivered to a small group or individually over 6x sessions and explores the impact of food and movement on emotional regulation.

What can I expect from an Occupational Therapy assessment?

Sensory assessments usually involve you or your child completing a questionnaire which will give us the best understanding of functional difficulties. Observations are then gently carried out, sometimes including standardised assessment tools to better understand how your (or your child's) strengths or limitations play out in every day life. Once we have completed our assessment, we can offer ongoing therapy with clients, young people and their families, using a nurturing sensory attachment intervention informed approach.

Depending on your location and individual needs, therapy is offered either in your own home or school, virtually via Zoom or MS Teams or in a welcoming, low stimulus clinic space in York.
There may be attention given to assessing and integrating retained primitive reflexes, as these are often at the root cause of many functional difficulties that we see in therapy.
The Just Right State programme can be delivered to a small group or individually over 6x sessions and it explores the impact of food and movement on emotional regulation.
A Therapeutic Listening programme using music that is tailored to you or your child’s needs is often recommended as a way of deepening the sensory integration work or as a standalone intervention.

Book a sensory assessment