What to expect, what to bring, and how to prepare your child (or yourself) for a sensory integration therapy session at our Kasavanahalli center.
Sensory integration sessions combine play-like, movement-rich activities — swinging, climbing, textured materials, structured pressure — with a therapist's careful guidance. Sessions look very different from traditional therapy: movement is the point, not a distraction.
Come in comfortable, flexible clothing you can move in — tracks, leggings, soft t-shirts. Avoid stiff jeans, tight collars, or anything with dangling jewelry. For children, bring a change of clothes in case of spills or perspiration.
If your child has a comfort object — a soft toy, a chewy, a favorite textured item — bring it. For adults, bring noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses if you use them outside the clinic. Being able to self-regulate between activities helps the session stay productive.
Mention how the day has been: poor sleep, a hard morning at school, missed meals, or a recent illness. Sensory integration work responds to the nervous system's current state — so the therapist can adjust activity intensity accordingly.
A typical session is 45 to 60 minutes. For children, it's often a good idea to have a quiet activity (audiobook, drawing) planned for after the session to give the nervous system time to settle.
After the session, notice shifts in mood, sleep, focus, or tolerance for sensory input across the next 24–48 hours. Sharing this feedback at the next visit helps the therapist refine the plan.