Sensory integration (SI) consultation
A child's development depends to a great extent on the proper functioning of their senses and the ability to process stimuli. Sensory integration disorders can affect a child's everyday functioning, speech development, concentration and motor skills. Sensory integration therapy, carried out by an experienced specialist, allows children with sensory difficulties to function better in their environment, which has a positive impact on their sense of safety and overall development.
Supporting the development of various senses — such as touch, hearing and sight — through appropriate activities and exercises is essential for children with sensory disorders. SI therapy offers the opportunity to improve their functioning in space and build relationships with their environment.
At Równoważni MED we treat sensory development as an integral part of a child's functioning — interconnected with emotions, concentration and relationships.
What is sensory integration?
Sensory integration plays a key role in a child's development, affecting their everyday functioning and ability to process sensory stimuli. The process of sensory integration involves receiving, organising and appropriately interpreting a range of external and internal stimuli, such as touch, movement, smell and sound.
It is through proper sensory integration that a child can respond appropriately to their environment, regulate emotions and feel safe in everyday situations. When this process runs smoothly, it supports motor, cognitive and emotional development.
Not all of a child's difficulties are immediately visible. Sometimes they manifest in the way the child responds to stimuli, in movement, concentration, emotions or everyday functioning.
If this process does not run as it should, the child may have difficulty with:
- emotional regulation
- concentration
- motor coordination
- adapting to new situations
- functioning in a group
Sensory integration and the child's emotions and behaviour.
Sensory difficulties often affect a child's emotions and behaviour. A child who cannot cope with an excess of stimuli may react with anger, withdrawal or excessive agitation. A sensory integration consultation is therefore an important element in understanding:
- difficulties with emotional regulation
- problems with concentration
- behaviours that may be mistakenly interpreted as disobedience
Sensory integration therapy
SI therapy is a process that supports a child's development by providing carefully selected sensory stimuli. Its aim is to improve the way the nervous system receives, processes and responds to information from the environment. During therapy, the SI therapist uses a variety of forms of work — movement, play and activities engaging different senses — to support the development of sensory functions and improve the child's everyday functioning.
The process begins with a detailed parental interview and an assessment of the child's abilities. On this basis, an individual therapy plan is created, tailored to their needs. It may include, among other things, movement activities, sensory play and exercises carried out using specialist equipment.
Through therapy, the child gradually learns to respond better to stimuli, which translates into greater comfort in everyday situations, easier emotional regulation and improved functioning at home, in nursery and at school.
Sensory integration therapy is particularly helpful for children with developmental difficulties, including those on the autism spectrum, with Down syndrome or with difficulties in concentration and attention regulation.
Consultation 60 min. 250 PLN
Diagnosis (3 sessions required) 3 x 60 min. 700 PLN
Therapy 50 min. 200 PLN
Reassessment 60 min. 550 PLN
Exercises and activities that provide support
A sensory integration therapist often uses play and activities that are appealing to the child while at the same time supporting sensory development. Examples of such activities include:
- finger painting, which helps develop the sense of touch
- play on swings and climbing frames, which supports the vestibular system
- manual activities such as modelling with clay or assembling puzzles, which improve concentration and motor coordination
Through such exercises, children learn to function better in their environment and manage difficult sensory stimuli.
What does the first SI look like?
Parental interview
The consultation begins with a conversation with the parent, during which the following are discussed:
the course of pregnancy and the child's development from birth to the present
everyday functioning
observed difficulties
the child's responses to different stimuli
Observation and diagnostic tasks
During the session, the SI therapist observes the child during play and motor tasks. The assessment covers, among other things:
responses to sensory stimuli
muscle tension
coordination and balance
motor planning
ways of regulating emotions
Discussion, qualification for therapy and recommendations
After the consultation, parents receive:
information about the child's sensory functioning
identification of areas of difficulty
recommendations regarding further steps
guidance for working at home
Where appropriate, sensory integration therapy is proposed.
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