A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Sensory Integration

Sensory Integration theory, as discussed in this booklet, comes from a body of work developed by A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR. This theory has been further developed and refined by the research of Dr. Ayres, and other occupational and physical therapists. In addition, literature from fields such as neuropsychology, neurology, physiology, child development, and psychology has contributed to theory development and treatment techniques. Parents usually know and understand their children better than anyone else. Therefore, they also know better than anyone else then their children are struggling, stumbling, or suffering. This booklet was written to provide information on why some of these problems occur. It is also meant to help better understand the reasons why some of the things parents do naturally are vital to fostering optimal development in their children. This booklet can also be used to communicate with teachers, physicians, counselors, therapists, and others, to help them understand some of the behaviors of the children with whom they work.