Play-based sensory integration therapy for children with sensory processing challenges in Bangalore. Shishuka Children's Hospital offers individualised occupational therapy programs.
A structured, play-based therapy that helps children who feel overwhelmed, or under-responsive, to everyday sensations — building the skills to process the world around them more comfortably.
Sensory integration therapy is a specialised form of occupational therapy that helps children process and respond to sensory information, such as touch, sound, movement, and body awareness, more effectively. Some children are highly sensitive to sensations that don't bother others, like tags on clothing or loud noises, while some seek out intense sensory input, like constant movement or deep pressure.
Delivered through guided, playful activities in a specially equipped sensory gym, this therapy helps the brain organise and respond to sensory input in a more regulated way, supporting better focus, emotional regulation, and participation in everyday activities like eating, dressing, and learning.
A developmental pediatrician or occupational therapist may recommend this therapy if your child has:
Strong reactions to certain textures, such as clothing tags, food textures, or hair-brushing
Distress from loud noises, bright lights, or busy environments
Constant movement-seeking, such as spinning, jumping, or crashing into things
Difficulty with balance or coordination compared to same-age peers
Meltdowns in overwhelming environments, such as malls, classrooms, or family gatherings
A diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or a developmental delay alongside sensory-related challenges
A well-rounded program typically addresses several sensory systems together.
Activities like swinging, spinning, and balance exercises that help the brain process movement and spatial orientation.
Activities involving pushing, pulling, and deep pressure, such as weighted tools or climbing, that help a child understand where their body is in space.
Gradual, playful exposure to different textures, helping reduce over-sensitivity or under-responsiveness to touch.
A personalised set of sensory activities woven into the daily routine at home and school, designed to keep a child regulated throughout the day, not just during therapy sessions.
This therapy often works alongside other interventions; here's how it compares.
| Therapy | Focus Area | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensory Integration Therapy | Sensory processing & regulation | Sensory sensitivities, seeking behaviours, self-regulation | Doesn't directly target communication or academic skills |
| ABA Therapy | Behaviour, communication, daily-living skills | Structured skill-building and behaviour change | Less focused on sensory processing specifically |
| Speech Therapy | Language & communication | Specific speech and language delays | Doesn't address sensory or motor challenges |
| Physiotherapy | Gross motor strength & movement | Muscle strength, mobility, and physical coordination | Less focused on sensory regulation itself |
A playful, engaging process built around your child's specific sensory profile.
An occupational therapist observes your child and gathers information from parents to understand specific sensory sensitivities and needs.
A plan is designed targeting your child's specific sensory systems, whether that's building tolerance to certain sensations or providing more of the input they seek in a regulated way.
Sessions in a specially equipped sensory gym use swings, climbing structures, and tactile materials, presented as fun, engaging play rather than clinical exercises.
Parents receive practical strategies and a personalised "sensory diet" to support regulation outside of therapy sessions, at home and in school.
Playful, individualised sessions paired with practical guidance parents can use every day.
Therapy delivered by professionals trained specifically in sensory integration approaches for children.
Every child's sensory needs are different, and therapy is tailored accordingly, not one-size-fits-all.
Sessions that feel like fun for the child, which keeps engagement and progress steady.
Strategies that extend the benefits of therapy well beyond the clinic.
Available at Kalyan Nagar, RT Nagar, Malleswaram and New BEL Road.
Sensory integration therapy is a gradual process, and improvements in regulation, tolerance, and coping typically build steadily rather than appearing overnight. Some children feel tired after an active session, which is a normal response to sensory work and settles with rest.
Consistency between therapy sessions and daily life, using the sensory strategies recommended at home and school, plays a significant role in how well a child generalises the skills learned during sessions to everyday situations.
Book a consultation with our developmental pediatrics team to explore whether sensory integration therapy could help.
“If you can't find the answer to your question here, please don't hesitate to contact our support team for assistance.”
Difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information, causing over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, textures, movement or other sensations. Often occurs alongside autism or ADHD, though it can occur on its own.
Varies by child, but many families notice gradual improvements in regulation and tolerance over weeks to months of consistent therapy.
It's a specialised approach within occupational therapy, focused specifically on how the brain processes sensory information.
Yes, by helping a child better regulate response to overwhelming sensory input, reducing frequency and intensity over time.
