Comparing OT Sensory Integration Therapy with Other Approaches for Sensory Processing Disorders

You might ask how OT sensory integration therapy is different from other treatments for sensory processing disorders. Studies show this therapy helps, especially for kids with autism. You may see better sensory processing and movement skills when using things like a Sensory Cuddle Swing, Balance Stepping Stones, or Balance Pods. Other therapies do not show the same strong results. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you choose the best plan for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• OT Sensory Integration Therapy helps kids with autism. It makes sensory processing and movement skills better. The therapy uses fun activities to teach these skills.

• Finding sensory processing disorders early is important. Special therapy plans can help people do much better.

• Other therapies, like ABA and CBT, work on behavior and feelings. OT helps kids learn new skills by playing.

• Using more than one therapy often works best. It helps people handle sensory problems in different places.

• When families join therapy, results get better. Caregivers should help and support their loved ones.

Sensory Processing Disorders Overview

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder

Some people react in unusual ways to sounds, textures, or lights. Sensory processing disorder changes how the brain handles information from the senses. This condition can make daily life hard. Loud noises might feel too much, or you may want tight hugs. Many kids and adults with sensory processing disorders have trouble with normal things.

You can watch for signs if you think you or someone you know has sensory processing disorder. These signs are:

• Hypersensitivity means you feel too much from things like bright lights or loud sounds.

• Hyposensitivity is when you do not notice things others do, like pain or temperature.

• Sensory-seeking behaviors include spinning, jumping, or rocking to get more input.

• Sensory aversions mean you avoid certain textures, foods, or smells.

A group of experts can help you learn about sensory processing disorders. Occupational therapists, developmental pediatricians, and clinical psychologists often work together. They ask about your sensory experiences and how you react to different things. A full checkup helps them see if you have sensory processing disorder.

Types: Sensory Modulation Disorder and Sensory Discrimination Disorder

There are different types of sensory processing disorders. Sensory modulation disorder is very common. If you have sensory modulation disorder, you may react too much or too little to sensory input. You might cover your ears at loud sounds or not notice when someone touches you. This type affects how you control your responses.

Sensory discrimination disorder is another type. With sensory discrimination disorder, you may have trouble telling apart similar sensations. You might not notice the difference between hot and cold or have trouble knowing where a sound comes from. Both sensory modulation disorder and sensory discrimination disorder can make daily life harder. Knowing about these types helps you and your care team pick the best support.

OT Sensory Integration Therapy

Principles and Techniques

OT sensory integration therapy uses fun activities led by you. The therapist picks games that fit what you need. The main idea is to help you react better to sights, sounds, and touch.

• You do play activities that safely challenge your senses.

• You might swing, crawl, or touch things with different feels.

• Each game helps your vestibular, tactile, or proprioceptive senses.

• The goal is to help you feel less bothered, pay attention, and move better.

Therapists use this therapy to help you react in a good way. You learn to handle sensory input every day. This helps you feel more sure of yourself and do things on your own.

Who Benefits

OT sensory integration therapy helps kids most, especially those with autism. Studies show kids ages 0 to 12 with autism reach their goals more with this therapy. Other kids can try it, but studies show it helps less with problem behaviors.
Here is a summary:

You may get the best results if you start early. Your therapist will make a plan just for you.

Evidence and Research

Recent studies show this therapy helps balance and posture. Kids with sensory processing disorders, even those with cerebral palsy, get better at moving.
You can see the findings below:

New tools make OT sensory integration therapy work even better. Virtual reality gives safe places to practice sensory skills. Wearable tech checks your body’s response, so therapists can change activities right away. These tools help you stay interested and make therapy work better.

Other Therapy Approaches

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied behavior analysis is a therapy used for sensory processing disorders. This therapy uses science to study how you act. Therapists watch what happens before and after your actions. They use this to help you learn new skills and stop unwanted behaviors.
Applied behavior analysis starts with a special check called a functional behavior assessment. This helps your team find what causes your sensory reactions. You might work with occupational therapists and BCBAs. They make a plan that fits your needs.
Here is how applied behavior analysis helps with sensory processing:

1. Your team does a check to find what causes your sensory behaviors.

2. They make a plan using what they learn from the check.

3. You do activities to help you handle sensory input better.

Applied behavior analysis also uses sensory strategies in sessions. Your therapist may add sensory-motor activities to your therapy. You and your caregivers work together with your team. This teamwork helps you get the most from therapy. Many experts say knowing your sensory needs is important in applied behavior analysis. Special plans and sensory diets often make this therapy work better.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you change your thoughts and actions. If you have sensory processing disorder, you might feel worried or upset by some sensations. CBT teaches you ways to deal with these feelings. You learn to notice your thoughts and change them to helpful ones. Therapists show you steps to handle stress and feel better. CBT works best for older kids, teens, and adults who can talk about their feelings.

DIR/Floortime

DIR/Floortime focuses on your feelings and relationships. You choose the play, and your therapist follows your lead. This helps you build strong bonds with others. DIR/Floortime supports your language and problem-solving skills. It also helps you reach important goals.
Here is a table with the main ideas and benefits:

Many studies show DIR/Floortime helps children with sensory processing disorders. This approach changes to fit your needs, so it works well.

Sensory Diets

A sensory diet is a plan of activities made just for you. Occupational therapists create these diets to help you handle sensory input. You might do jumping, swinging, or squeezing activities. Sensory diets help you stay calm and focused.
Here is a table with key points:

Sensory diets help you focus and manage your reactions. Many kids with autism or Fragile X syndrome use sensory diets. These diets work best when you follow them with a professional’s help.

Vision and Auditory Integration Therapy

Vision therapy and auditory integration therapy try to help you process sights and sounds. Some people use these therapies for sensory processing disorders. But research shows they do not help much.

• Reviews found no clear change in behavior, thinking, or language skills.

• Experts say there is not enough proof to support these therapies for sensory problems.

You should talk with your care team before starting vision or auditory integration therapy. Most professionals suggest other therapies that have stronger research support.

Comparing OT Sensory Integration Therapy and Other Methods

Approach and Goals

Each therapy for sensory processing disorders has its own way and goals. OT Sensory Integration Therapy helps you build sensory processing skills. You do planned activities to get better at handling sights, sounds, and touch. Therapists pick these activities to help your movement, focus, and feelings.

Other therapies, like sensory-based interventions, help you feel better right away. These use simple ways to help you deal with sensory problems every day. ABA and CBT work on changing how you act and think. DIR/Floortime helps you grow emotionally and connect with others. Sensory diets give you special activities to help you stay calm and pay attention.

Here is a table that shows the main differences in approach and goals:

• SIT helps you change how you react to sensory input over time.

• SBIs help you handle your feelings right when they happen.

• ABA and CBT teach you new ways to act and deal with stress.

• DIR/Floortime helps you make friends and understand your feelings.

Tip: Pick a therapy that matches what you want to get better at. If you want to improve daily skills, SIT or ABA may help. If you want quick comfort, SBIs or sensory diets might be best.

Effectiveness and Outcomes

You might wonder which therapy helps most with sensory processing disorders. Studies show OT Sensory Integration Therapy and ABA help autistic kids reach their goals. You can get better at handling sensory input and daily tasks. But research says daily living skills may not change much compared to kids who do not get therapy. This means SIT and ABA help with sensory problems, but may not always change daily life a lot.

OT helps you learn skills like dressing, eating, and keeping clean. If you use OT and ABA together, you may do better in real life. Sensory integration therapy uses play and slow practice to help you with sensory problems. Many families like SIT because it is fun and interesting. Still, experts say SIT does not have as much proof as ABA.

Here are some key points about effectiveness:

• OT helps you do more things by yourself.

• ABA teaches you skills and helps you use them outside of therapy.

• SIT helps with sensory problems, but results are mixed.

• Sensory diets and DIR/Floortime help with feelings and social skills.

Suitability for Different Needs

Think about your age, symptoms, and needs before picking a therapy. OT Sensory Integration Therapy works best for young kids with autism and sensory problems. You may get better at moving, being independent, and controlling yourself. SIT sessions usually last 12 visits or up to six months, so you have time to learn.

ABA is good for kids who need help with behavior and learning routines. You may need 20-40 hours each week, and it can cost over $20,000 a year. OT costs less, and insurance often pays for it. CBT is best for older kids and teens who want to handle worry or stress. DIR/Floortime fits kids who need help with feelings and making friends. Sensory diets help you stay calm and focused, especially if you have autism or Fragile X syndrome.

Here is a table with the main pros and cons of OT Sensory Integration Therapy:

• OT Sensory Integration Therapy costs less and is easier to get than ABA.

• ABA has strong proof and clear results, but costs more and takes longer.

• Sensory diets and DIR/Floortime help with feelings and social skills.

• Vision and auditory therapies do not work well for sensory processing disorders.

Note: Talk with your care team to find the therapy that fits your needs, money, and goals. Sometimes, using more than one therapy works best.

Choosing the Right Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorders

Factors to Consider

You have many choices when picking therapy for sensory processing. Everyone has different needs, so you should think about a few key things before you start. Your age, how bad your symptoms are, and other health problems matter a lot. Kids between 3 and 14 years old often do well with some therapies. Older teens or adults might need something else. If your sensory issues are mild, you may not need as much help. Some people have big problems with spd symptoms every day. If you also have ADHD or anxiety, you might need a special plan just for you.

Here is a table to show the main things to think about:

You should also think about your family’s culture and what you can afford. What your family believes can change how you feel about therapy. Some families like certain treatments more than others. How much money you have and where you live can change when you start therapy and how often you go. If you live far from a clinic or do not have much money, you may need to try home programs or local groups.

Tip: Write down your main goals and problems. This helps you and your care team make a plan that fits your life.

Working with Professionals

You do not have to make these choices by yourself. Working with experts gives you the best chance to get help for sensory processing. Occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech therapists often work together. They use their skills to make a plan that fits you. You might see an occupational therapist to learn ways to handle sensory overload. A psychologist can help you with stress and feelings. Speech therapists help if you have trouble talking.

Experts say you should:

• Work with occupational therapists to learn ways to handle sensory overload.

• Ask for a plan, like a sensory diet, that fits your daily life.

• Try special programs like sensory integration therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or social skills training for your needs.

You should talk openly with your care team. Tell them your worries and ask about spd symptoms or how you are doing. Experts can help you see your progress. They may ask you to keep a journal or use checklists to track how you handle sensory issues.

Family support is very important. When parents or caregivers join therapy, you get better results. You can practice sensory activities at home and make a helpful space. This helps you handle sensory overload and feel more sure of yourself. Parents who learn therapy steps see their child’s behavior, sleep, and social skills get better. Family support also lowers stress and keeps everyone working together.

Note: If you work with teachers, ask them to make classrooms friendly for your senses and add sensory goals to your school plan. This helps you do well at school and home.

Combining Approaches

You may find that using more than one therapy works best for sensory processing. Many kids and adults do better with a mix of occupational therapy, sensory diets, and behavior help. Mixing therapies gives you a strong plan for managing sensory issues. For example, you might do sensory integration therapy at a clinic and follow a sensory diet at home. You can add social skills training or cognitive-behavioral therapy if you need help with feelings or friends.

A personal plan often has:

• Teamwork between occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists.

• Activities like swinging, jumping, or deep pressure to help with sensory overload.

• Goals that fit your strengths and needs, like better movement or being more independent.

Here is a table that shows how mixing therapies helps:

When you use more than one therapy, you learn to control your reactions and feel better in different places. You also do more things each day, which helps you grow and do well. Family support helps you even more. Parents who practice therapy at home help you build self-control and feel more sure of yourself.

Tip: Start early and stay involved. Getting help early and having family support leads to better results and makes handling sensory overload easier.

There are many therapies for sensory processing disorders. OT Sensory Integration Therapy helps you get better at sensory skills. Other therapies work on behavior, feelings, or making friends.

• Getting help early lets you join in daily life and become more independent.

• Therapy can help you feel better and do well in school.

• Using more than one therapy may help with friends and handling senses, but we do not know if it works for a long time.

Plans that fit you work best because everyone is different. You should talk to experts to find what is right for you. With good help, you can do well and reach your goals.

FAQ

What are the main types of sensory processing disorders?

There are three main types of sensory processing disorders. These are sensory modulation disorder, sensory discrimination disorder, and sensory-based motor disorder. Each type changes how you react to things you see, hear, or feel. You might have different symptoms with each one.

How do sensory modulation disorder and sensory discrimination disorder differ?

Sensory modulation disorder changes how you react to things around you. You might react too much or not enough. Sensory discrimination disorder makes it hard to tell things apart. Both are sensory processing disorders, but they affect you in different ways.

Can sensory-based motor disorder affect daily life?

Yes, sensory-based motor disorder can make daily life harder. You might have trouble with balance or moving your body. This disorder often makes people seem clumsy. You may find it hard to join in at school or at home.

How do you know if you have sensory processing disorder?

You might notice problems with sounds, lights, or touch. Sensory processing disorder can show up as any of the three main types. If you see these signs, talk to a professional for help. Getting help early can make your life better.

Tip: If you think you have sensory processing disorders, write down what you feel each day. This helps your care team learn about your needs.

See Also

How Sensory Rooms Benefit Children Diagnosed with Autism

Evaluating Tactile Sensory Toys for Varied Children's Needs

Essential Guidelines for Creating Sensory Rooms in Schools

Understanding Sensory Rooms and Their Primary Beneficiaries

Criteria Medical Experts Use for ADHD Sensory Toys