The answer is yes and no.
Many children show signs of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), where they may get over-stimulated or under-stimulated from their senses. Sensory Integration Therapy aims to provide a child with a sensory-rich environment where they can explore and play to fill their senses. Sensory Integration’s idea is that when a child experiences a “just right fit” for sensory exposure – like Goldie Locks, not too much and not too little – they will adapt their responses to different sensations.
BUT Sensory Integration does not have enough evidence to support its effectiveness.
Some OTs will do Sensory Integration Therapy with kids because they see improvements in social and emotional behaviors.
Other therapists will approach SPD from a functional point of view. These occupational therapists will work with kids and their families to see how processing affects their day-to-day activities. They will offer sensory-based strategies to use at home and on school days to make certain activities more tolerable. The strategies are individualized to the child and have been shown to improve self-regulation.
Contact your occupational therapist for more information about how they can help with sensory strategies.