What is sensory integration therapy
Sensory integration (SI) therapy is a therapeutic method that helps children with sensory processing difficulties — involving sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, balance (vestibular sense), and body awareness (proprioception). When this process is disrupted, a child may respond disproportionately to situations — avoiding certain stimuli, becoming overly aroused, or conversely, seeking very intense sensations.
SI therapy consists of structured sessions in a specially equipped sensory room, during which the therapist guides the child through controlled sensory experiences. The goal is not to "get the child used to" stimuli, but to improve the way their brain processes those stimuli. Therapy takes the form of play, but every activity is purposefully selected to match the child's needs.
At NidoMed, sensory assessment and SI therapy are provided by a certified sensory integration therapist with experience working with children of various ages and developmental challenges.
When to consider SI therapy
- Your child avoids certain textures, food consistencies, noise, or crowds.
- Your child is excessively active physically — cannot sit still, constantly fidgets, jumps, bumps into objects.
- Your child seeks very intense stimulation — hugs tightly, bites, hits themselves.
- Your child has difficulty concentrating despite no ADHD diagnosis.
- Your child dislikes swings, roundabouts, or changes in body position (fear of movement).
- Your child struggles with self-care tasks (dressing, tooth brushing, nail cutting).
- Your child is a selective eater — refusing foods based on texture, temperature, or appearance.
- An educator or psychologist suggests sensory processing difficulties.
What to expect
The process begins with an assessment — observation of the child, parent questionnaires, and sensory tests. Based on this, the therapist develops an individualised therapy plan. Sessions take place in a sensory room equipped with swings, platforms, tunnels, ball pits, and materials of various textures. Each session lasts 45-60 minutes. The therapist also provides parents with recommendations for home activities — a "sensory diet".