Sensory Integration Therapy
Helps the brain process and respond to sensory information more effectively, addressing over- or under-sensitivity to touch, sound, movement, and other sensory input.
What Is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration therapy addresses difficulties with processing sensory information from the environment and from one's own body. Some people are over-responsive to sensory input (overwhelmed by noise, textures, movement), while others are under-responsive (seek intense sensory experiences, seem unaware of pain or temperature).
Developed by occupational therapist Dr. A. Jean Ayres, sensory integration therapy uses purposeful, playful activities in a sensory-rich environment (the 'sensory gym') to help the brain organize and interpret sensory information more effectively.
A typical sensory gym includes swings, crash pads, climbing walls, textured surfaces, weighted items, and other equipment that provides controlled sensory input. The OT guides the child through activities that challenge and gradually improve their sensory processing.
Who Benefits from Sensory Integration?
autism
Addresses the sensory processing differences experienced by most autistic individuals — hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sound, touch, light, and movement that significantly affect daily functioning.
adhd
Sensory strategies (movement breaks, fidgets, weighted items) can improve attention and self-regulation. Sensory integration therapy addresses underlying sensory processing inefficiencies.
cerebral palsy
Addresses sensory processing difficulties that co-occur with motor impairment, improving body awareness, movement planning, and tolerance of therapeutic handling.
fasd
Sensory processing difficulties are common in FASD. Sensory strategies and environmental modifications reduce overwhelm and improve daily functioning.
What to Expect in a Session
First Session
A sensory processing assessment (60-90 minutes) uses standardized tools (Sensory Profile, Sensory Processing Measure) and clinical observation to identify the child's sensory processing patterns.
Ongoing Sessions
Sessions take place in a sensory gym with specialized equipment. The OT guides your child through activities that provide specific types of sensory input in a controlled, therapeutic way. Activities are child-led and playful.
Your Child's Role
Your child engages in active, fun movement activities — swinging, climbing, crashing, playing in textured materials — while the OT provides 'just-right' sensory challenges.
Caregiver's Role
You'll learn about your child's sensory profile and receive a 'sensory diet' — a program of sensory activities and strategies to use throughout the day at home and school.
When to Start
Early Childhood (0-5)
Sensory integration therapy can begin as early as toddlerhood if significant sensory processing difficulties are affecting daily functioning and development.
School Age (6-17)
Many children are referred when sensory issues affect classroom participation, attention, and social interactions at school.
Adults (18+)
Sensory processing strategies and accommodations are beneficial at any age. Adults can learn self-regulation strategies and make environmental modifications.
General guidance: If your child is extremely distressed by everyday sensory experiences (certain sounds, clothing textures, messy play, movement), or seeks intense sensory input to the point of safety concerns, request an OT assessment for sensory processing.
| Item | Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | $200–$450 | Sensory processing evaluation |
| Per Session | $120–$180 | 45-60 minutes |
| Insurance | Typically covered under occupational therapy benefits when provided by a registered OT | |
| Tax Credit | Eligible for Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) when provided by a registered occupational therapist | |
Money-Saving Tips
- Ask your OT for a sensory diet and home program to reduce the frequency of clinic visits
- Group sensory programs are available at some clinics at reduced per-session rates
- Provincial autism funding can often be used for sensory integration therapy
| Province | Status | Program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC | Partially Funded | Autism Funding / At Home Program | Can be funded through autism funding or At Home Program when delivered by a registered OT.(Under 19) |
| AB | Partially Funded | FSCD | Covered as part of OT services under FSCD for children with sensory processing challenges.(Under 18) |
| SK | No data | — | — |
| MB | Partially Funded | Children's DisABILITY Services | Available through children's therapy programs as a component of occupational therapy services.(Under 18) |
| ON | Partially Funded | Children's Treatment Centres / OAP | Available as part of OT at children's treatment centres; OAP may cover if part of an autism intervention plan.(Under 18) |
| QC | Partially Funded | CISSS/CIUSSS | Sensory integration therapy available as part of OT services through the public rehabilitation network. |
| NB | No data | — | — |
| NS | No data | — | — |
| PE | No data | — | — |
| NL | No data | — | — |
| NT | No data | — | — |
| NU | No data | — | — |
| YT | No data | — | — |
Evidence & Research
Sensory integration therapy has moderate evidence. The strongest evidence supports Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) delivered with fidelity to the original model in a clinical setting. Research shows improvements in individualized goal attainment and participation, though some systematic reviews note the need for more rigorous studies.
Important Note
Sensory processing difficulties are widely recognized clinically but 'Sensory Processing Disorder' is not yet a formally recognized diagnosis in the DSM-5 or ICD-11 (it is recognized as a feature of other conditions). Despite the diagnostic debate, the functional challenges are real, and sensory-based OT interventions help many children participate more fully in daily life.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of any provider who:
- The therapist is not an occupational therapist trained in Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI)
- Sessions are not individualized — all children do the same activities regardless of their sensory profile
- The therapist ignores your child's distress and pushes them into overwhelming sensory experiences
- Only clinic-based activities are used without providing strategies and accommodations for home and school
- The therapist diagnoses 'Sensory Processing Disorder' as a standalone condition without considering other developmental factors
How to Find a Provider
- 1
Search for OTs with specific Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) certification or training
- 2
Ask your paediatrician for a referral to a paediatric OT with sensory integration expertise
- 3
Contact your children's treatment centre — many have OTs specializing in sensory processing
- 4
Search your provincial OT regulatory college directory filtering for paediatric and sensory specialization
- 5
Ask your child's school-based OT about sensory strategies and whether a sensory integration referral is appropriate
Conditions That Use Sensory Integration
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