What is Sensory Integration?
It is the act of integrating all of your senses to neutralize and balance the body. This can be used both reactively and preventatively to help reset the nervous system.
Research into sensory integration has shown how it repairs damaged neurons from stress or trauma. It’s also one of the best forms of therapy to calm kiddos and lower the chance of breakdown.
What does Sensory Integration look like?
Think of things you can see, touch, feel or hear. Thinks like music, eating foods with different textures and temperatures, touching thing with different textures, etc.
Ground rules when working with kids -
If a child already has an active sensory system, some common things may easily set them off. You may need to add or remove certain sensory items. Start with small changes to inspire and try not to overwhelm them. Watch for and respond to their reactions, not just to their words. Their body language is a good indication if something is good or bad.
Examples of sensory activities for kids -
- Jumping
- Target Practice
- Dumpster Diving – Not what it sounds like!
- Legos
- Buried Treasure
- Swinging
- Play with various textures
Sensory integration is a great way of calming and coping when upset. You can also use it preventatively every day to reset the nervous system and stay in balance. Listen to this episode for more helpful tips!
Other related resources from The Behavior Hub:
Podcast –
Blog Posts –
- Sensory Integration AKA Sensory-Motor Strategies for Kids
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Kids (& Adults!)
- Polyvagal Theory and Mind-Body Practices
- 5 Breathing Exercises for your Kiddo
Lauren answers this week’s listener question during the episode: What strategies can we use to de-escalate a child?
Try-at-home tip: The Brain Dump
- Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!
Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744. - Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.
- Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children
- The Behavior Hub website
- The Behavior Hub blog
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