somatic nervous system definition psychology

Rather than using sensory integration in a neuroscientific way, Ayres applied it to a behavioral setting a place where she can observe functional behavior in a natural setting of play.

The sensations involved in sensory integration are what Jean Ayers called “food for the brain.” Sensations provide the energy and knowledge needed to direct the body and mind, but the brain must provide well-organized sensory processing in order for sensations to be digested and able to nourish the brain. The combination of inputs and outputs in the nervous system create the responses we need to develop, learn, and experience. Sensory Integration is a theory of brain-behavior relationships that comes from all responses we receive from sensory domains. When the brain receives information from the environment around us, it goes through a stage called sensory processing. Sensory Integration Therapy: What is sensory integration per se? Sensory integration therapy is used in occupational therapy, pediatrics, and early childhood education. ASI® includes the theory of sensory integration, assessment methods to measure sensory integration, and a core set of essential intervention constructs that can be utilized to intervene with clients who have difficulty processing sensory information. Her approach became known as Ayres Sensory Integration®, (ASI) which is a Registered Trademark and is used by therapists all over the world as sensory integration therapy. If you suspect your child might have ADHD try CogniFit Assessment. Since that time, sensory integrative principles have also been applied to various populations, including infants born at risk and/or with regulatory disorders, children with autistic spectrum disorders, fragile X syndrome, attention deficit disorder (ADHD).

Ayres and Tickle applied the theory to children with autism and noted that it helped decrease tactile and other sensitivities to stimuli that interfere with their ability to play, learn, and interact. About two decades later, Ayres recognized that her theory could expand into other clinical populations other than children with learning disabilities. Without praxis, or the ability to plan and then direct the plan of movement, all the coordination and strength which can be garnered will be of little use. Motor planning is a virtue in her studies as they became therapies used to help children accomplish them automatically, such as walking and writing. Ayres has shown that the effectiveness of a motor response is dependent on the accuracy of perception that was received. Developmental apraxia and dyspraxia have also been used in her work as she observed children having difficulty buttoning small buttons, handling tools, writing, and getting dressed.

Her earliest training procedures were consistent with neurophysiological approaches to the treatment of neuromuscular dysfunction. Organizing and interpreting sensory information is the essence of perception” (Ayres, 1966). The next step is to attribute meaning to the sensory information on either a conscious or below-conscious level. “The sensory receptors must be stimulated, followed by receipt of the resultant nerve impulses by the central nervous system. Ayres’ 1966 article on the Interrelation of Perception, Function, and Treatment stresses the importance of interpretation in sensory processing. She believed that motor performance is closely related to perception and that the two are interchangeable. Many occupational therapists use Sensory Integration Therapy to help over-sensitive and under-sensitive adults and children regulate sensory difficulties. It is a common disorder for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Individuals with this disorder will experience problems with their sense of touch, smell, sight, hearing, and coordination. The condition has now been termed Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): a neurological disorder in which the sensory information that the individual perceives results in abnormal responses (STAR Institute). If the brain does not organize all of our sensations in a productive manner, then we will experience sensory integration dysfunction. She believed that our senses give us information about the physical changes in our body and environment. Jean Ayres, who was an occupational therapist and educational psychologist. Sensory integration theory originated from the work of Dr. Sensations come in as perception and it is the brain’s job to locate, sort, and order all of the incoming sensations we receive. Sensory integration refers to the brain’s ability to organize sensory information that comes from our surroundings. Sensory Integration Therapy: What is it and who benefits from it?

Somatic nervous system definition psychology