Improving Sensory Regulation Through Sensory Integration Therapy
Helping with reading, phonics, spelling, writing, fluency, and academic confidence.
Parents reported delayed speech, poor response to name, reduced eye contact, frequent tantrums, hyperactivity, and difficulty following instructions. The child preferred repetitive play, avoided social interaction, and struggled with daily routines such as dressing and feeding.
At home, the child showed frequent meltdowns, sensory-seeking behaviors such as jumping and crashing, and difficulty with transitions. In school, teachers reported poor sitting tolerance, limited participation, difficulty following classroom routines, and reduced peer interaction.
The child had difficulty completing self-care tasks, participating in classroom activities, maintaining attention, and following 2-step commands. Play skills and social interaction were delayed.
Assessment showed poor sensory regulation, short attention span, poor balance, weak fine motor control, and reduced task completion. The child needed frequent verbal and physical prompts.
The child showed sensory-seeking behavior, especially for movement and deep pressure. He was sensitive to loud sounds and certain textures but responded positively to structured sensory input.
Gross motor skills showed poor balance and coordination. Fine motor skills were delayed, affecting grasp, buttoning, and puzzle completion.
Initial attention span was 2–3 minutes, with easy distractibility and reduced task endurance.
Sensory Integration Therapy was provided 3 sessions per week using a structured multisensory approach.
Activities Used
massage therapy, joint compression, lifting weighted objects, pushing/pulling activities, walking on sponge surfaces, stair climbing, trampoline jumping, and obstacle course activities.
swing activities, balance board exercises, stair climbing, balance beam walking, and therapist-guided movement tasks.
sensory massage, tactile disks, fabric texture exploration, sand play, foam play, grass, flour, and shaving foam activities.
listening activities using different calming and alerting sounds/music to improve tolerance and attention.
calming deep-pressure massage and breathing regulation activities.
controlled sensory exposure using mint, lemon, coffee, and vinegar to improve sensory tolerance.
Home Program Guidance
Parents were advised to maintain a structured routine, use visual schedules, continue daily sensory activities at home, and practice self-help tasks with simple instructions.
Progress Timeline
Child initially showed resistance to therapy, cried frequently, and needed parent support. Proprioceptive activities such as massage, joint compression, and trampoline jumping helped improve regulation. The child gradually accepted tactile play with sand and foam and tolerated swing activities for short periods.
Tolerance to therapy improved significantly. Vestibular activities like balance board, stair climbing, and balance beam walking improved balance and body awareness. Auditory and tactile activities reduced sensory defensiveness. Attention improved to 5–7 minutes, and tantrums reduced.
The child participated independently in most sessions. He completed obstacle courses, followed multi-step tasks, and engaged better in fine motor activities. Taste and smell activities improved sensory acceptance, while continued proprioceptive and interoceptive input supported emotional regulation. Attention increased to 10–12 minutes with improved task completion.
Outcome
Functional Improvement
Improved independence in dressing, feeding, and classroom participation.
Measurable Change
Attention increased from 2–3 minutes to 10–12 minutes. Tantrums reduced from daily episodes to 1–2 times weekly.
Parent Impact
Parents reported easier daily routines, better communication, and reduced family stress.
Behaviour Change
Reduced meltdowns, better impulse control, and improved adaptability to changes.
School Improvement
Better sitting tolerance, improved participation, increased response to name, and better peer engagement.
Daily Life Ease
Self-care, and participation in home and school routines became easier.
Key insight
Consistent sensory integration therapy, especially combining proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, and home-based sensory activities, helped improve sensory regulation, behavior, and overall functional independence
Zac Livingston
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