Sensory integration and modulation disorders often lead people to have extreme over reactions to what others consider mild stimuli, or to completely shut down and disengage. This can impact motor skills and coordination, further limiting engagement and participation.

Impact by Age Group

These impacts may manifest differently at different ages, with difficulties in areas such as…

Infants and Toddlers

• Wake-sleep cycles
• Alertness
• Self-soothing
• Play
• Socialization
• Mealtime Routines

School Aged Children

• Daily routines
• Independent self-care (dressing, personal hygiene, etc)
• Focusing at school
• Making friends

Adolescents & Young Adults

• Learning to drive
• Vocational and leisure activity choices
• Developing independence
• Romantic relationships

Adults of All Ages

Many adults have never been diagnosed, so they haven’t had the opportunity to develop coping skills and adaptive performance mechanisms. Occupational therapy practitioners can provide direct services, or they can offer accommodations and support. For example, an adult who is easily distracted at work may benefit from an occupational therapist who works with the client and employer to recommend modifications such as headphones if feasible, or environmental adaptations such as moving the client’s desk to minimize external sensory input.

Activities for Daily Living (ADLs)

Deficits in sensory integration can pose challenges in performing activities of daily living (ADLs), such as:

• Bathing and Showering
• Cooking and Eating
• Personal Hygiene/Grooming (brushing teeth, washing and combing hair, etc)
• Dressing, Laundry and Cleaning

Without intervention, issues in sensory integration continue into adulthood and have been reported to impact work performance, relationships, and general functional abilities.

Source: aota.org