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| news.in.detail |
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| Book Review |
17 June 2005 |
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Title: Sensory Integration information booklet,
a resource for parents and therapists
Edited by Valerie Cribbin
Sensory Integration Network, UK and Ireland, 2003. Paperback 88 pages. ISBN 0-9545434-0-8
The concept of Sensory Integration comes from a
body of work developed by Dr. A. Jean Ayres, PhD,
OTR. As an occupational therapist Dr. Ayres was
interested in the way in which sensory processing and
motor planning disorders interfered with daily-life
function and learning. Dr. Ayres developed her theory
of Sensory Integration throughout the 1960’s, 70’s and
80’s, by the analysing of literature from the fields of
neuro-psychology, neurology, physiology, child
development and psychology and through the
conducting of basic and applied research studies in
order to develop and refine her theory. She founded
the Ayres Clinic in Torrance California where she
worked with many children and trained therapists to
use Sensory Integration as both a theory base and
treatment approach. She died in 1988.
Sensory Integration as a treatment approach was first
discussed and taught in the UK and Ireland in the late
70’s and 80’s, with the first training being held in the
School of Occupational Therapy in DunLaoghaire in
December 1989. Since that time it has spread
worldwide and is now used in Occupational Therapy,
Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy as an
approach to working with children who show a variety
of difficulties and symptoms. While it remains
controversial in many practitioners’ opinions, it is by far
the most researched, and widely reported form of
intervention in the world of Occupational Therapy.
The Sensory Integration Network, UK and Ireland was
formed in 1995 through the amalgamation of four
special interest groups which were each involved in
increasing the knowledge base of therapists in this area.
By 2001, this group had expanded from an original base
of about 250 therapists to over 800.Through the many requests for information that they received, it became clear to the Executive Committee of
the Sensory Integration Network, UK and Ireland, that
while there were many sources of information
originating in America, and which related to American
resources and educational systems, there was very little
which was directly relevant to the UK and Ireland. So
four members of the group undertook the task of
producing a booklet containing this information.
Initially they set out to produce single page leaflets
relating to the relevance of Sensory Integration as a
treatment approach to be used with children with a
variety of diagnoses. However, this soon grew into the
88-page booklet, which was published in June 2003.
The introductory chapter describes the seven senses as
used in the theory of Sensory Integration. It goes on to
describe how difficulties or delays in each of these
senses can affect the daily functioning of children that
therapists may meet in their practice. It gives a brief
description of Sensory Integration as an approach to
understanding the difficulties experienced by children
who show signs of dysfunction in sensory integration.
Further chapters go on to describe the application of a
sensory integrative Frame of Reference for intervention.
They discuss the use of Sensory Integration as a
treatment modality in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, Learning Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Autistic
Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Co-ordination
Disorder and Specific Learning Difficulties.
The
booklet contains brief descriptions of the listed
diagnoses and each chapter is designed to stand alone
for quick referencing of specific information, as well as
providing the reader with more information on the
relevance of using a Sensory Integrative theory and
treatment approach. The final section of the book
contains lists of activities that can be used or suggested
to teachers, parents and carers, to enhance the sensory
processing abilities of the children. It also gives further
reading references and contact details for support
groups within the UK and Ireland, as related to each
diagnosis.
The Sensory Integration Network, UK and Ireland
continues to grow and now has over 1100 members in
23 different countries worldwide. It produces
newsletters for its members regularly and provides
training courses in collaboration with the University of
Liverpool for which participants can receive CPD
points, in the case of three of the modules at M level.
The group has recently established a website with more
information at www.sensoryintegration.org.uk
The Irish Regional Group aims to meet regularly to
promote Sensory Integration in Ireland, to provide
support to those therapists who are already trained, and
holds courses relating to the theory of Sensory
Integration.
The booklet can be purchased at the cost of €12.50/£10
either through the website or from the postal address
of:
‘Booklet’ Sensory Integration Network
26 Leopardstown Grove,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin, Ireland
Email: sinet@indigo.ie
VALERIE CRIBBIN,
CHAIR OF EDITORIAL GROUP,
S. I. NETWORK, UK AND IRELAND
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