Sensory integration dysfunction is simply that the brain has difficulties in processing the information coming from the different senses. These difficulties may interfere with the child’s daily activities during learning, playing , social interactions and other functional activities.
The child may be overloaded with sensory information coming from certain sounds, smell, texture, tastes and positions. Such certain information may act as a trigger that may affect the child’s behaviour and reactions. Subsequently, child social development and learning processes may be affected.
The main senses affected with sensory integration dysfunction are: vision, hearing, taste, touch, smell, proprioceptive and vestibular sensation. Parents need to consult the specialist If any of the below red flags are noticed with a child
The red flags for a child with sensory processing disorder / dysfunction are:
1- difficulty with grooming where parents will have difficult time with brushing teeth, bathing, nail & hair cutting.
2- fussy dresser, where the child may refuse to wear certain fabrics and clothing styles
3- the child is a picky eater and refuses to eat certain textures (smooth, crunchy or lumpy)
4- fear of body tilting during certain positions may be noticed like changing diaper or hair rinsing.
5- the child may randomly and excessively spine in circles or run around the room
6- the child may be scared if his/her face or hand gets messy during playing or eating.
7- the child may show fear during leaving the ground such as jumping or swinging.
8- there may be difficulties with transition periods as the child will have problem with stopping one activity and moving to the next.
9- the child will slouch or struggle to sit upright for long periods of time and will display a floppy posture.
10- continuously moving and difficult to stay still for more than one minute or two.

Sensory Integration therapy is the solution for a diagnosed child with sensory processing dysfunction. It is simply exposing the child to sensory stimulation is a structured and repetitive way. This is to allow the brain to adapt and train the child to process and react to these stimulations more efficiently.
Sensory diet is an option of choice for Sensory Integration therapy. Sensory diet is a plan designed for the particular child with set of activities that calms down the overstimulated child. On the other hand, for kids who seems to be sluggish ; sensory diet activities will help them to be more alert.
Example of sensory diet activities:
1- activities for Vestibular / movement
Ride a bike , trike , trink or a scooter
Swing on a swing or a platform swing or use air cushion and Sally toy
Bounce on a therapy ball with feet on the ground such as Obby ball or Physio roll
Summersault or roll
Climb or slide on play ground equipment or Animal Parade cushions and animal parade platforms , vaulting box and slides
Play catch such as shoal of fish or Aku ring or play with the rainbow river stone
2- Activities for Tactile/ touch
Play with sand or water such as sand and water table
Fingerpaint activities
Use squishy or textured items like stress ball , Aku ring, therabase , Weplay Aqueezer
Massage arms and legs with lotion. use any baby cream
Write with vibrating pen
Squish play with dough
Roll in a weighted blanket
3- Activities for oral motor
Eat food with distinctive taste: sour /spicy
Brushing teeth with vibrating toothbrush
Use straw to drink thick liquids
Blowing activities such as bubbles blow or whistle
4- Sensory activities – heavy work
Activities with Exercise balls , soft weight ball, heavymed medicine balls, and bean bag
 Push the shopping cart in the supermarket
Put on weighted vests
Carry groceries and bags
Carry blocks activities such as play with brick me , creative frames
If you find your child has any of the red flags, do not delay consulting the specialist . Early intervention will lead to better results