ROLE OF SENSORY INTEGRATION IN REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH DISABILITIES: A REVIEW ARTICLE

ABSTRACT
Sensory integration (SI) theory was originally developed by A. Jean Ayres to focus on the neurological processing of sensory information. Sensory integrative therapy (SIT) or SI approach has been used for the treatment of challenged children since the 1970s. It is based on the understanding that interferences in neurological processing and integration of sensory information disrupt the construction of purposeful behaviors. According to Ayres, sensory information is not processed in isolation and, given this essential feature of the central nervous system, therapeutic intervention that incorporates sensation to affect multisensory perception will influence learning and behavior. Ayres, (1972) proposed that through the development of these sensorimotor functions and, specifically, by facilitating adaptive somatomotor responses, a person can develop learning, reading, math, visual and auditory perception, and skilled motor tasks. Treatment is designed to provide controlled sensory experiences so that an adaptive motor response is elicited. The goals of treatment are to improve sensory modulation related to behavior and attention and to increase abilities for social interactions, academic skills, and independence through better SI. The activities provided are meant to help the nervous system modulate, organize, and integrate information from the environment, resulting in future adaptive responses.