Use and efficiency of the sensory integration therapy

This Diploma paper is composed of a theoretical and an empirical part. In the theoretical part I introduce the reader to the sensory integration therapy that was founded by the occupational therapist Dr. Jean Ayres. It applies to the method of our utilization of the information we receive with help of sense organs through our own body and the environment. I begin with a short presentation of the organization and the functioning of the central nervous system, which is the basis for a better understanding of the sensorimotor integration. Further I concentrate on the sensorimotor development of children under 7 years of age, which is the period, when the brain is most susceptible to stimuli and its organization. This is followed by a description of the structure and disorders of the sensory integration and furthermore by activities for the stimulation of its three basic areas. The empirical part consists of my presentation of the program, which I composed based on my observations of the activities and responses of the four year old boy with expressive speech and language impairments and socio-emotional and motor skills disorders. I performed this program in the kindergarden and at his home in 30 meetings in a period of 2 months and a half. The results were promptly analyzed after every meeting and adapted to the boy´s development. With help of the aforementioned analyses, self-observations, open interviews with his parents and childcare workers, I can determine that the sensory integration therapy has a positive effect on the boy and enables him an easier and less stressful inclusion in the everyday life