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Henshaws College - Sensory Integration

What is Sensory Integration?

Sensory Integration is about how your brain receives and processes sensory information so that you can complete everyday tasks. Your sensory system is like the foundations of a house, Sensory Integration therapy can help to build a strong foundation.

Who is it for?

You may struggle to understand what is happening inside and outside of your body and receive too much or too little sensory information. This can be through touch, taste, smell, vision, hearing, body position or movement.

Or you may struggle to make sense of incoming sensory information. For example you can hear a sound but can’t identify it, or can feel an object in your pocket but can’t work out what it is. Having sensory difficulties can make learning difficult and can also make everyday activities really hard to do.

What does Sensory Integration involve?

If your brain becomes over alerted by too much sensory information adrenaline is produced so you are continually in fight or flight mode. Sensory Integration therapy sessions can be used to help you feel calm. So you are better placed to participate fully in your educational sessions and maximise opportunities to learn.

Or you may need increased input to your sensory system. In this case, we will help you to use muscles and joints for lots of active movement using some of our specialist equipment. Improving your ability to engage in college life.

In some cases it may be necessary to adapt the environment. For example, if you find too much visual input overstimulating then we will tidy up the surrounding space and keep the walls clear. If you are more sensitive to noise then we find a suitable quieter working space.

What are the benefits?

Sensory Integration can help to:

  • Improve physical ability e.g. balance, ability to sit, coordination.
  • Develop concentration and your ability to learn.
  • Increase wellbeing, helping you to feel calmer and less anxious.
  • Improve your ability in engage in everyday activities

Delivering sensory integration therapy is good fun and it’s so rewarding to see a student feeling more regulated and better able to access and enjoy learning and everyday activities"

Heather Kenny, Sensory Integration Therapist at Henshaws
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