Sensory experiences are a part of everyday life.
For children with sensory integration difficulties,
the ordinary experience becomes frightening and
overwhelming. There are seven senses that form
the foundation of sensory integration: visual,
auditory, touch, smell, taste, vestibular (input
regarding the position of one’s head in space
in pull of gravity), and proprioception (awareness
of one’s body and movement in space).
The vestibular and proprioceptive systems work
very closely together for one’s ability to develop
many skills including attention and arousal,
balance, and coordination. Sensory integration
is the ability of a person to take in sensory
information from their environment, process
that information within their brain, and then
respond to that information appropriately.
The appropriate response may be a movement,
emotional reaction, verbal response, or to ignore
the information altogether. Although the actual
organs of a particular sensory system may be
functioning adequately, if there is difficulty with
the processing of that information in brain, then
the response to the information may be affected.
Sensory integration is the foundation that allows
for complex learning and behavior.
Quite often parents of children with sensory
integration difficulties chose to not take their
children to certain community based venues because
of how their child will respond. The child
often has tantrums, exhibits screaming behaviors,
runs off or becomes aggressive, all because
their sensory systems are overloaded. Occupational
Therapists at Believe It and Achieve It,
LLC are trained to help these children and families
integrate their sensory systems. “Through
individualized sessions,” says owner Kimberly
Lamke, “the therapist work to help make the
child feel more comfortable, secure, and able to
engage in all environments.” The idea behind
Occupational Therapy and sensory integration
is that specific therapeutic activities can help a
child with sensory problems experience a just
right of arousal and regulation. This can actually
“rewire” the brain so that children can integrate
and respond to sensory input. This can decrease
anxiety, making them more confident, successful
and interactive within their community.
The Museum Of Science and Industry
(MOSI) has been among the first in the Tampa
Bay Community to develop accommodations
and programming with the intent to make its
venue more sensory friendly for those with
developmental disabilities.
MOSI also provides “Distract Packs,”
provided by C.A.R.D for guests at the Guest
Services Desk in the lobby. “Distract Packs” are
plastic bins full of sensory toys and activities for
children who may need to have something to
help them manage difficult situations. Additionally,
labels have been placed on exhibits that may
be loud or create an environment sensory guests
may not enjoy.
To find out more about MOSI and their
inclusion efforts, go to MOSI.org or call
813-987-6000.
/MOSI.org