Welcome to Maximum Potential - A Specialist Sensory Integration Service Our Services Background Our Philosophy Articles / Books S-I Overview S-I Checklist Upcoming Events Contact Us Directions / Map Email Question What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational Therapy can benefit children with learning and behavioral disorders, developmental delays, visual and hearing impairments, emotional disturbances or physical disabilities. They may learn to function more freely in a developmental or sensory integration program. Some conditions, such as emotional disturbances, can be controlled or improved by the use of therapy. The purpose of therapy is to help strengthen the coordination between brain and body to gain and/or enhance function in daily living. What is Sensory Integration? The sensory integration approach is based on the research and writings of many therapists and physicians. A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., as OT, was a leading contributor to this way of looking at how children develop and interact with their environment. She formulated on of the main theories of sensory integrations, and created testing procedures and treatment techniques based upon sensory integration theory. Her methods have been widely used for over thirty years. “Sensory” pertains to our senses: hearing, sight, smell, touch, taste, and perception of motion, movement and gravity. “Integration” is the process of unifying, or allowing the brain to use the information that the senses take in. Sensory integration is used for all activities, but OT’s are especially concerned about organization of sensory information for use in the classroom, on the playground, for activities of daily living, and lastly, relationships and interactions with others. The programs are based on understanding how people deal with life’s sensations. Specifically, Occupational Therapists look and test for how an individual perceives or organizes sensations from life and body experiences. The testing focuses on seeing if the child’s internal sensory systems are working together properly. Treatment is more effective if it is similar to normal client activities and desires. Since a child’s normal activity is to play, OT’s treat with an individualized program presented as directed play. Through play, children learn about themselves and the world around them. When all that they see, hear and feel makes sense to them, a process of sensory integration occurs. Sensory integration provides a crucial foundation for developing good physical, academic and social skills. We welcome your phone call or e-mail us. There is no charge for an initial enquiry, and contacting us does not commit you to using our services. Copyright © 2002-2005, Melanne Maddalene!

Welcome to Maximum Potential - A Specialist Sensory Integration Service