Sensory Integration Model

The sensory integration model is defined as the neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment (Kielhofner, 2009, p.204). The sensory integration is crucial to an individual development; as the SI is a practice in which constant experience of engaging in adaptive behavior lead to further brain organization and making more complex adaptive behavior. Therefore, if a person’s brain fails to organize and process sensory information, then an interruption of the normal cycle of the sensory integration is recognized (Kielhofner, 2009, p. 210).

According to Kielhofner (2009), the Si model suggests that the ability to learn is dependent on

However, when observed the surrounding and the different activities, you realize there is something different. With the SI model, many OT’s used playful activities to treat the children. By using positive and playful experiences in using their bodies for the brain to be properly oriented to organized different sensory information. Also, to have an understanding of why children have the ability to learn while playing first, we must understand that children seek their needs through action (play) (Kielhofner,2009). According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (2012), it states that “the act of playing is an important tool that influences a child’s life. The primary goals of childhood are to grow, learn, and play. It is often through play that children learn to make sense of the world around them. It is a child’s "job" or "occupation" to play to develop physical coordination, emotional maturity, social skills to interact with other children, and self-confidence to try new experiences and explore new environments”. Thus, is why children rehab facility look like a playhouse, as it is a way to engage these younger clients to do their individualized intervention.

There were several interventions conducted during my observation at the Pediatric rehabilitation center. However, before the intervention began, there are several assessments performed before the OT was able to create the intervention. I observed the use of Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) which measures visual, tactile, vestibular, kinesthetic and proprioceptive perception as well as motor performance, including bilateral coordination and praxis. It is composed of 17 subtests and used on children four to eight (Kielhofner, 2009,