Effectiveness of SI Therapy

During Sensory Integration Therapy, the child is guided through activities that challenge his or her ability to respond appropriately to sensory input by making a successful organised response. Therapy takes place in a safe and interesting environment and through the use of specialised suspended equipment the child is afforded the opportunity to integrate sensations arising from the vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual, and auditory systems. Treatment is developed in collaboration with the child and aims at meeting the child’s specific needs for development. The activities are also designed to elicit autonomic responses and are graded to lead to higher levels of organisation that will promote the child’s interaction with the environment.

If the SI therapy is based on reliable diagnostic foundations and is conducted properly, positive changes in the child’s development can be noted after several months. Frequently, progress can be first observed in the sphere of the child’s physical fitness, and then in their emotional functioning. The sight, hearing, and active speech functions also improve. The parents often find that their child is calmer, better organised, focused, and easier to live with. They start to achieve success at kindergarten and at school.

The parent/guardian is regularly informed about the progress in therapy which is assessed by the therapist. Such assessment serves as the basis for adjusting the therapy plan.

The sensory integration therapy is a long-term process and depends on many factors. One can assume that it most frequently lasts for the period of one to two years.