Which aspect is targeted by Sensory Integration Theory-based interventions?

• A. Only increasing strength
• B. Minimizing sensory input to avoid arousal
• C. Addressing underlying deficits in sensory modulation, discrimination, and integration, as well as foundational abilities
• D. Focusing exclusively on cognitive skills without sensory context

Answer: (C)

Sensory Integration Theory-based interventions focus on how the nervous system receives, interprets, and uses sensory information to guide and organize behavior. They target deficits in sensory modulation (how a person regulates their responses to sensory input), sensory discrimination (accurately interpreting different sensory cues), and sensory integration (the ability to combine sensations into a coherent action). They also address foundational abilities such as postural control, balance, bilateral coordination, and praxis, which support skilled movement and participation in daily activities. The aim is to provide graded, meaningful sensory experiences that help the individual organize sensory input more effectively, enabling better performance in activities like dressing, writing, and therapeutic tasks—often including hippotherapy—rather than simply increasing strength, reducing all sensory input, or focusing purely on cognitive skill without sensory context.