Sensory Integration

What is Sensory Integration (SI)?

Our senses provide us with information about our body and its relationship to the environment around us. They tell us where our body is positioned in space, how our body is moving, what impact the environment is having on our body and what is happening in the environment, as well as helping us in knowing how to effectively respond to task and environmental demands.

Sensory Integration (SI) – also known as sensory processing – is the process through which sensory inputs into our sensory systems are received, organised, interpreted and turned into purposeful physical and behavioural responses by our central nervous system.

Sometimes sensory integration does not develop as efficiently as it should. We can all show signs of sensory integration difficulties, but for those individuals where it has a clear impact on daily life it is recognised as a clinical disorder - Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

It is difficult to provide a definitive list of symptoms as each individual can be affected in different ways and to varying degrees. Symptoms can include:

• Over sensitivity to, or avoidance of, sensory stimulation from touch, noise, etc.
• Actively seeking out sensory stimulation, such as through rough play or big hugs
• Difficulty performing fine motor tasks such as handwriting or fastening buttons
• Easily distracted in the classroom, often in and out of chair and fidgety
• Movement appears clumsy or awkward
• Appears lethargic and slow to perform tasks
• Intense and demanding behaviour with difficulty transitioning between activities

Shine Therapy

Shine therapy are commissioned by Rowan Park School to provide support with specialist services in occupational therapy and sensory integration.  We commission Shine to come into school on a weekly basis, to facilitate improved access to learning for pupils with sensory integration difficulties.

Shine Therapy provide:

• Individual pupil assessments
• Individual / group therapy programmes
• Individual / group therapy sessions
• Regular pupil reviews
• Identification of resources for pupils
• Ongoing support and advice for Staff
• Training for Teaching Staff and Teaching Assistants

If you would like to know more of Shine Therapy Services, please contact them directly

Telephone +44 7854 845590

Business hours

Monday-Friday: 9:00 to 18:00

Saturdays: 9:00 to 12:00

Sundays: Closed