The neurosensory integration remediated by the Sensory Learning^SM system are the areas of subconscious sensory reception, processing and integration and involve the senses of sight, hearing and balance.

Beginning in the womb and continuing into childhood and adolescence, sensory stimulation plays a major role shaping the structure and functioning of our neurosensory systems through natural developmental processes. Sensory Integration involves many intricate interactions between the sensory systems, with the majority occurring in the brainstem area.

The sensory systems most affected by the Sensory Learning^SM system include:

• Ocular Motility
• Auditory Sequencing
• Oral Motor
• Visual-Motor Integration
• Vestibular-Ocular Reflex
• Visual Perception Constancy
• Vestibular-Auditory Reflex
• Auditory-Visual Integration
• Visual-Balance Integration
• Visual Spatial Integration

The conscious and intellectual aspects of learning are inhibited when problems are present that impair a person's Sensory Integration. In a child with developmental delays, these sensory pathways may be only partially developed. In other individuals, these pathways may become impaired as a result of brain injury. Whether the pathways are impaired or only partially developed, the outcome is the same. Common activities that depend upon well-organized brainstem functioning (i.e. learning to ride a bike, throw a ball, read or interact with others) can seem unreasonably difficult.

There are three general states of Sensory Integration:

Normal - The existence of reasonably well developed neurosensory reception, processing and integration faculties. This person is able to relate to the people, places and things around them and interact socially in a customary or accepted manner.

Potential - The existence of inherent ability or capacity for growth or development of neurosensory reception, processing and integration faculties. This state may be present in any individual who has experienced a situation or condition that interferes with the normal development of these faculties in the womb or during infancy or childhood.

Impaired - A diminished ability in the area of neurosensory reception, processing and integration faculties. This state is present in the individual that previously possessed normal Sensory Integration but has experienced impairment of them as the result of an event such as acquired brain injury.

In the case of a person with potential or impaired Sensory Integration, a variety of problems can be observed. In the area of sensory reception, problems may include hyper/hyposensitivity to light or sound, ear dominance issues, visual field constriction and gravitational insecurity (unreasonable anxiety when on anything moving, etc.). For sensory processing and integration, the problems associated with potential or impaired Sensory Integration can manifest as inefficient and irregular learning ability, inaccurate sensory perception, coordination difficulties, hypervigilance to incoming sensory messages, inappropriate social behaviors, slow mental processing or impaired memory.

Sensory Learning™ is an educational approach to developmental learning that provides remediation of potential or impaired Sensory Integration in individuals regardless of their diagnosis or condition. It is important to note here that Sensory Learning does not treat conditions such as those shown in the figure above. Rather, it is an innovative approach to sensory developmental education.

Brains are more alike than they are different. Everyone has Sensory Integration Potential. They is the common denominator among diverse populations such as those shown in the figure above. It is this common element that enables the Sensory Learning process to be highly effective even across diverse populations. When the brainstem area becomes better organized, higher cortical activities such as math, reading, written and oral expressive language, receptive language and general spatial/temporal orientation are more easily learned and refined. They depend on a good foundation of neurosensory faculties in the brainstem area.

The Sensory Learning process, engaging the central nervous system with individualized combinations of visual, auditory, and vestibular stimulations, simultaneously re-educates the individual's primary sensory functions and Integrates the Perceptual Pathways of the brain. In this way the brain is encouraged to learn or relearn essential sensory skills. When sensory integration occurs, sensory functioning is effortless, the individual is highly adaptive, body movements are well coordinated, learning is easy and appropriate behavioral responses are natural outcomes.