Sensory integration therapy is a specialised form of occupational therapy that helps children who struggle to process and respond to sensory information. This guide covers everything Maltese parents need to know about sensory integration, from understanding the senses to accessing therapy services in Malta.
What Is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration is the brain’s ability to organise and make sense of information received through the senses. When this process works well, children can respond appropriately to their environment, learn effectively, and participate in daily activities.
When sensory integration is disrupted, children may become overwhelmed, anxious, or withdrawn. They may also seek out intense sensory experiences or have difficulty with coordination and motor planning.
The Eight Sensory Systems
Most people know about the five basic senses. But there are actually eight sensory systems that work together:
- Visual — sight and visual processing
- Auditory — hearing and sound processing
- Tactile — touch, pressure, temperature, and pain
- Gustatory — taste
- Olfactory — smell
- Vestibular — balance, movement, and spatial orientation. See: The Vestibular System: Why Balance Matters for Learning
- Proprioceptive — body awareness, joint position, and force. See: Proprioception: Your Child’s Hidden Sense
- Interoceptive — internal body signals like hunger, thirst, and toileting needs. See: Interoception: Teaching Children to Understand Their Bodies
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty receiving, organising, and responding to sensory information. Children with SPD may be:
- Over-responsive (sensory avoiders) — They react strongly to sensory input that others barely notice. Loud noises, certain textures, bright lights, or being touched may cause distress. See: Sensory Overload in Children
- Under-responsive (sensory seekers) — They need more sensory input than typical children. They may crash into things, spin excessively, or seek out intense textures and movement. See: Understanding Sensory Seeking Behaviour
- Sensory discrimination difficulties — They have trouble distinguishing between different sensory inputs
Read the full article: Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder in Children
Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Processing Difficulties
Every child is different, but common signs include:
- Extreme reactions to certain sounds, textures, or smells
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
- Frequent meltdowns that seem disproportionate to the situation
- Avoids messy play, certain foods, or specific clothing
- Craves movement — constantly spinning, jumping, or crashing
- Poor body awareness — bumps into things, uses too much or too little force
- Difficulty sitting still, concentrating, or following instructions
- Trouble with balance and coordination
- Difficulty sleeping or settling at bedtime. See: Sensory Processing and Sleep
How Sensory Integration Therapy Works
SI therapy takes place in a specially equipped sensory room. At WonderKids in Malta, our sensory rooms include swings, climbing walls, trampolines, ball pits, tactile materials, and other specialised equipment.
During therapy, the occupational therapist creates activities that provide specific sensory input tailored to your child’s needs. The child is actively engaged through play, which helps the brain learn to process sensory information more effectively.
SI therapy is based on the work of Dr A. Jean Ayres, who developed the theory and treatment approach. Qualified SI therapists have postgraduate training in this specialised area.
What Is a Sensory Diet?
A sensory diet is a personalised plan of sensory activities designed to help your child stay regulated throughout the day. It is not a food diet — it is a “diet” of sensory input.
Your occupational therapist will create a sensory diet based on your child’s specific sensory profile. Activities might include:
- Heavy work activities (carrying, pushing, pulling)
- Movement breaks (swinging, bouncing, spinning)
- Tactile activities (playdough, water play, textured materials)
- Calming strategies (deep pressure, weighted blankets, quiet spaces)
Full guide: Creating a Sensory Diet for Your Child
Sensory Integration and Other Conditions
Sensory processing difficulties often co-occur with other conditions:
- Autism (ASD) — Sensory differences are now part of the diagnostic criteria. How OT Helps Children with Autism
- ADHD — Many children with ADHD also have sensory processing challenges. ADHD and Occupational Therapy
- Anxiety — Sensory overload can trigger or worsen anxiety. Anxiety in Children: How OT Helps
- DCD / Dyspraxia — Motor planning difficulties are closely linked to sensory processing. Dyspraxia in Children
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home
You do not need a full therapy room to support your child at home. Simple changes can make a big difference:
- Create a quiet, low-stimulation space for calming down. See: Sensory Rooms: How to Create One at Home
- Use visual schedules to help with transitions
- Offer sensory breaks throughout the day
- Choose clothing your child is comfortable in
- Prepare for outings with a sensory survival kit. See: Sensory-Friendly Tips for Family Events in Malta
Sensory Integration Services in Malta
At WonderKids, we offer comprehensive sensory integration assessment and therapy. Our therapists hold postgraduate qualifications in sensory integration and work from fully equipped sensory rooms.
An SI assessment includes a detailed sensory profile, clinical observations, and standardised testing. After the assessment, we create an individualised therapy plan and work closely with parents and teachers to implement sensory strategies across all environments.
Book a Sensory Integration Assessment
If you think your child may have sensory processing difficulties, early assessment and intervention can make a significant difference.
Contact us:
- Phone: +356 9987 2936
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit: wonderkids.mt