We are Totaly Sense-Sational!

To better serve our clients and to meet the needs of our parents hectic schedules, Totaly Sense-Sational is open 7 days a week (Sunday through Saturday) with a variety of scheduling options.

Prompt and regular attendance is key to a successful outcome for your child's therapy and together we make every effort to provide your child with consistent, quality therapy. Adhering to our cancellation policy will help safeguard your child's success.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 610-941-6101
Address: 5 Sentry Parkway East, Ste. 110 Blue Bell, PA 19422

Sensory Integration

Sensory Integration and stimulation helps normalization of the sensory systems to provide the optimal state of alertness and attention.

Discover the benefits of sensory integration therapy methods with our occupational therapists.

About Sensory Integration

The Theory of Sensory Integration

Sensory Integration (SI) was developed in the 1960s by Dr. A. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist who was a pioneer in the field of learning disabilities. She defined SI as the body’s capacity to organize sensory input, information and stimulation a person receives from his or her own body and the environment through the different sensory systems:

  • Tactile (touch)
  • Proprioceptive (joint and muscle impulses)
  • Vestibular (movement, visual and auditory)
  • Vision
  • Hearing and listening / auditory

How Sensory Information is Processed

The sensory information is then processed by the central nervous system and used to help our body develop spatial awareness, muscle tone, postural stability and self-regulation. SI gives us the awareness of our body and the ability to use it as a tool to interact with others in our world.

For those with Sensory Integration Dysfunction, the brain is not processing or organizing the flow of sensory impulses properly. This can impact on a person’s functional, developmental and learning processes.

Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder

Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder may include:

  • Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights or sounds
  • Easily distracted
  • Decreased awareness of surroundings
  • Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
  • Impulsive, lacking in self-control
  • Inability to unwind or calm self
  • Poor self-concept
  • Social and / or emotional problems
  • Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
  • Difficulty making transitions from one situation to another
  • Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
  • Delays in academic achievement
  • Slow reaction to touch, movements, sights, or sounds

What to Expect During a Therapy Session

A Typical SI / OT Session

Providing the right kinds of sensory stimulation helps normalization of the sensory systems – tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, auditory and visual – to provide the optimal state of alertness and attention. In addition, it helps to develop an adaptive response for daily functioning.

A typical session includes:

  • Tactile and proprioceptive input using a technique such as “brushing” and deep pressure stimulation
  • Vibratory input
  • Movement play (i.e. swings, balance beam, rock wall climbing, scooters and obstacle courses) for body awareness
  • Postural activities designed to increase strength, postural control, stability, coordination and motor planning
  • Visual motor / perceptual activities (puzzles, manipulatives, three-dimensional block designs, figure-ground activities, etc.)
  • Oral motor activities (blow toys, whistles, etc.) and fine motor activities (Handwriting Without Tears)

Scheduling a Free Screening

If you are not sure if you or your child needs OT services and want to get an idea if OT and Sensory Integration are right for you, fill out the form below to learn more about our therapies and group sessions or to schedule an appointment with your child.

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