Sensory Integration Therapy | Gross Motor
Sensory integration therapy (SIT) is a type of therapy designed to treat sensory processing disorder (SPD), which affects the way individuals process and integr
Overview
Sensory integration therapy (SIT) is a type of therapy designed to treat sensory processing disorder (SPD), which affects the way individuals process and integrate sensory information from their environment. Developed in the 1970s by A. Jean Ayres, SIT is based on the theory that sensory processing is linked to emotional regulation, learning, behavior, and participation in daily life. With over 50 years of research and practice, SIT has become a widely recognized and effective treatment for individuals with SPD, with a growing body of evidence supporting its efficacy. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention, SIT has been shown to improve sensory processing skills in children with SPD, with 75% of participants demonstrating significant improvements. Today, SIT is used by occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals around the world to help individuals with SPD, with an estimated 1 million individuals receiving SIT each year. The therapy has also been recognized by organizations such as the [[world-health-organization|World Health Organization]] and the [[national-institute-of-mental-health|National Institute of Mental Health]].