Sensory Integration

Sensory Integration is a theory concerned with the functioning of the nervous system. It refers to the individuals ability to perceive information from the environment through the senses and organize this information to form a body image, plan and organize responses. The body never functions in isolation, but always in relation to the environment.

More and more children are being assigned labels like ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Visual and Auditory Processing Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Labels affect children’s self-esteem and hinder their confidence. Additionally, our social and educational culture with it’s overuse of television, computers, video games, inadequate sleep, sedentary lifestyles and emphasis on competitive sports stresses the nervous system and impacts the normal development of neurological pathways.

Within the school system, most of the remediation given to these children is in the form of  ”sit down therapies”. However, the importance of movement in the development and healing of neurological pathways has been evident since Dr. Jean Ayres first identified Sensory Integration in the 1960′s. Movement forms the neurological pathways in children that are later used for reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, focus and attention, and creative thinking.

From birth there is a relationship between movement and development of the child’s sense of spatial awareness. There is a relationship between the vestibular system (balance and muscle tone) and the child’s ability to process auditory information. There is a relationship between the proprioceptive system (position and movement of joints) and focus and attention. A child who lacks an inner sense of self in relation to the environment will be unable to memorize shapes and later letters and numbers.

Children with Sensory Dysfunction often have difficulties with peer relationships and their nervous systems may be constantly stressed. Yoga offers these children the benefit of rythmic, harmonious, non-competetive movement that strengthens tone, balance, proprioception and touch and helps integrate the sensory system in a relaxed and supportive social environment. It reduces stress and promotes a healthy lifestyle.