Sensory integration is a multifaceted process that allows infants to receive, organize and interpret sensory information and make sense of the world around them. The basis for infants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development are shaped by the sensory system, thus making it an important aspect to an infant’s life. Sensory integration allows infants to process and respond to information making it a better medium for them to communicate their needs to their caregivers. Understanding the complexities accompanied by how infants try to integrate their sensory experiences can help as tailor our approach to their overall well-being and create activities targeted to ensuring their developmental milestones are reached. In this paper, we will explore the significance of sensory integration in infants and how it can impact their overall well-being in the face of atypical development.
During infancy, sensory experiences plays a huge role in modelling an infant’s brain and nervous system. These sensory experiences can help in the formation and strengthening of the brain connections as they are responsible for providing the required stimulation. An exposure to sensory stimuli can help infants achieve the synaptic plasticity which is crucial in the development of their cognitive, motor, and social skills. Sensory systems in the brain such as auditory, tactile, and visual can also be developed as a result of the sensory experiences. Infants communicate their needs and form attachments to their caregivers as a way of exploring the environment around them through their senses. For instance, a warm touch from a parent can direct an infant to form a positive emotional connection as a result of the ability to process the information through the sensory system. Additionally, infants can learn to coordinate their movements in response to sensory stimuli as the sensory input helps in the development of motor skills (Aral & Sağlam, 2016).
However, struggles with sensory integration may still occur to some infants thereby inhibiting their ability to process and respond to sensory input. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that occurs when sensory the brain is unable to detect the sensory signals or the correct responses are not matched with it. SPD often affects the efficient processing of sensory information leading to difficulties with sensory modulation, integration and discrimination. Infants with SPD can display confusing and unpredictable behaviors that might not even be related to by their parents. They may be extremely sensitive to certain stimuli, avoid sensory experiences they may deem overwhelming, or seek a specific sensory input excessively. For example, some infants may display strong reactions to loud noises or bright lights in their environment, often complain due to their uncomfortable clothes, or some may even lack tact in accomplishing small fine motor tasks like buttoning their shirts. In such cases, the ability of these infants to regulate their emotions, engage in social interactions and participate in daily routine activities, may be hindered as a result of these sensory difficulties (Eeles et al., 2013).
According to Ayres (2005), challenges with sensory integration in infants can have adverse effects on their development which may progress into their future lives. Difficulties in sensory integration often occurs when there is an issue with effective processing and response to the sensory input which is associated with poor performance in school, behavioral problems, and challenges with forming and maintaining relationships. The inability to process and respond effectively to the sensory input can lead to various challenges in different developmental domains of an infant, including, social interaction, cognitive abilities, motor skills, and emotional regulation. Ayres (2005) suggests that, the sensory integration in the first year of an infant is essential and without it, an infant may be faced with challenges of learning to talk, walk, or make concrete decisions. Further, she states that, “all subsequent development would be difficult” (Ayres, 2005, p. 22), when sensory integration during the second year is not adhered to. In efforts to address sensory integration challenges, early detection and intervention can be crucial in helping prevent the adverse effects on infants’ overall development.
Occupational therapy has been one of the best ways that has been used in recent years to support infants displaying challenges with sensory integration. Occupational therapy has been accepted in the medical field as one of the comprehensive treatment plan. Comprehensive assessments have been achieved thanks to the therapy, which has enable therapists to identify particular sensory patterns and challenges the infants may be experiencing. The assimilation of this therapy has enabled occupational therapists to support infants displaying challenges with sensory integration by providing sensory-based interventions, support infants’ motor development, and promote self-regulation in infants thus fostering an environment that allows for the growth and development of infants (Case-Smith & Miller, 1999). Additionally, another proactive approach in supporting infants with sensory integration challenges is creating an environment that is sensory-friendly. Tailoring the sensory environment is one crucial aspect that can help infants develop effective coping mechanisms through regulating their sensory experiences. For instance, reducing stimuli, offering sensory-rich experiences, and providing opportunities for sensory exploration for infants can help support them. Caregivers and educators should be on the forefront as advocators in helping to create a supportive environment that promote sensory-rich experiences for infants (Blanche et al., 2016).
In conclusion, sensory integration is an important aspect of infants’ development and plays a major role in shaping their social life, how they learn, and their general well-being. Recognizing signs of atypical sensory processing is essential for early intervention and support as it will help us understand the impact sensory integration has on infants’ development. Furthermore, we can help ensure that infants facing challenges with sensory integration thrive and reach their maximum potential by advocating for sensory-rich experiences, creating a sensory-friendly environment, and implementing interventions targeted to their support. Early detection and intervention is also important when addressing sensory integration challenges as it helps the involved parties tailor their approach so as to support infants’ overall development. A collaboration between caregivers, child educators, and healthcare professionals can help come up with the necessary support and resources that will help in ensuring positive outcomes for infants having sensory processing challenges.
References
Aral, N., & Sağlam, M. (2016). Sensory development in infants. Current Advances in Education, 264–277.
Ayres, A. J. (2005). Sensory Integration and the Child: Understanding Hidden Sensory Challenges. Western Psychological Services.
Blanche, E. I., Chang, M. C., Gutiérrez, J., & Gunter, J. S. (2016). Effectiveness of a sensory-enriched early intervention group program for children with developmental disabilities. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(5), 7005220010p1-7005220010p8.
Case-Smith, J., & Miller, H. (1999). Occupational therapy with children with pervasive developmental disorders. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53(5), 506–513.
Eeles, A. L., Spittle, A. J., Anderson, P. J., Brown, N., Lee, K. J., Boyd, R. N., & Doyle, L. W. (2013). Assessments of sensory processing in infants: A systematic review. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 55(4), 314–326.
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