Initially, firm touch and pressure may be provided through firm pillows and suspended equipment, to help calm a child who is overly sensitive to light touch and movement. Persons who have difficulty processing sensory information, trouble with motor planning and sensory defensiveness. Occupational therapist and developmental psychologist Jean Ayers developed it for children with learning disabilities and emotional disturbances, but it's now used to treat a number of disabilities, including autism and pervasive developmental delay. The approach is primarily provided by occupational therapists or physical therapists. However, more special education teachers across the country are working with therapists to employ some of the methods in the classroom.
Persons certified in sensory integration usually have graduate degrees.
They receive specialized training and work with a mentor before they are certified to administer the diagnostic test necessary to determine if SI therapy is appropriate and provide sensory integration therapy. Highly sophisticated training that examines regulatory disorders in infants has led to treatment for babies in neonatal intensive care units. Sensory integration disorders typically develop in very early childhood.