SENSORY INTEGRATION - KEY POINTS
Sensory integration refers to the way in which people process sensation to understand and interact with the world around them. The following key points highlight how sensory integration concepts guide much of Virco's work in the area of healthy movement:
- We are all affected by our sensory environments, and sensory experiences can both support and disrupt our ability to function optimally.
- Good sitting posture requires supports; opportunities for standing, stretching and "heavy work" (such as moving furniture or pressing on a chair back or footrest) are often calming and organizing.
- "Sitting still" does not equal paying attention; a child who has the opportunity for dynamic seating is more likely to stay engaged.
- Mounting research data shows that the environment, including classroom furniture, can improve behavior and attention for all students, not only those with special needs.
- To be most successful, teachers will need education and support to understand how "healthy movement" can support learning and attention, and to be prepared to manage the "settling in" period of about 2 weeks.
- More is not necessarily better when we think about sensation; every person has their own sensory needs and tolerances. We can help people to feel understood and accepted by understanding and respecting these individual differences.
Information in this section of Virco's Healthy Movement website is derived, with permission, from: Mailloux, Zoe. Classroom Redesign: Building Partnerships to Support Positive Behavior and Engaged Attention for all Children. Occupational Therapy Doctorate Portfolio, University of Southern California, 2012.