Sensory Enrichment Therapy

Sensory Enrichment Therapy

Sensory Enrichment Therapy is a therapeutic approach that provides planned, meaningful sensory experiences to help the brain process and integrate sensory information more effectively. It is commonly used in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Delay, and Cerebral Palsy.

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Purpose of Sensory Enrichment Therapy
• Improve sensory integration
• Enhance attention, regulation, and learning
• Reduce sensory seeking or avoidance behaviors
• Support motor planning, coordination, and daily functioning
• Promote emotional regulation and social participation

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Sensory Systems Targeted
• Tactile – touch, textures
• Vestibular – balance, movement
• Proprioceptive – body awareness, joint pressure
• Auditory – sound processing
• Visual – visual tracking, focus
• Olfactory & Gustatory – smell and taste (when appropriate)

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Common Sensory Enrichment Activities

Tactile
• Sensory bins (rice, sand, beans)
• Texture boards, brushing, clay play

Vestibular
• Swinging, rocking, spinning (graded)
• Balance boards, therapy balls

Proprioceptive
• Wall push-ups, crawling
• Carrying weighted objects
• Animal walks

Auditory
• Rhythm games, sound matching
• Soft background music or therapeutic listening

Visual
• Bubble play, light tracking
• Visual scanning games

Oral–Sensory
• Blowing activities
• Chewy tubes, straw drinking

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Who Benefits?
• Children with ASD, ADHD
• Children with sensory modulation difficulties
• Children with developmental delays
• Individuals with poor body awareness or motor planning
• Adults with sensory stress or regulation difficulties

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