Synopsis: 20

APPLICATION OF AYRES SENSORY INTEGRATION THEORY IN IMPROVING MOTOR SKILLS

Dr. Rakesh Krishna Kovela

Professor & Dean

Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College,

Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science

In 1972, Dr. A. Jean Ayres released her first book on sensory integration theory. She was the first to coin the term "sensory integration" to characterise children's sensory difficulties. Her book addressed both the sensory integration theory and her sensory integration therapy suggestions. It is defined as ‘the organisation of the senses for use’. Tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, vision, hearing, gustatory and olfactory are the senses.

Areas of development that are influenced by sensory processing

• Attention

• Praxis(Ideation & Planning)

• Organization of behavior

• Social Interactions

• Emotional responses to environmental events

• Postural control

Motor imitation, emulation & copying are critical and crucial part of a young child's development. Deficits in imitation will impact ideation, social interaction, learning, symbolic play, language development, cognitive abilities like sequencing & anticipation, and social abilities. Regarding CP children, it is known that there are disturbances in the way they process sensations, but, probably because these sensory disorders are masked by motor impairments, there is limited literature.

Active sensory motor play with emphasis on multisensory input, praxis and socialisation with the efficient use of ayres fidelity measure can yield better results in both fine and gross motor skills. Ideation, attention, imitation, social interactions, use of tools, use of language improves adaptive responses in sensory integration.

Focus of intervention, time frame for outcomes, person providing the treatment and the treatment setting plays significant role in improvement through sensory integration.