Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Back in the 1960s and 70s, Dr. A. Jean Ayres explored how our senses and movement affect learning—especially in children with learning disabilities and cerebral palsy. She believed that some learning challenges might be linked to how the brain processes sensory information. That idea led her to develop new ways to support kids by strengthening their nervous systems through different sensory experiences.

Dr. Ayres encouraged us to think beyond just visual learning. She highlighted the importance of other senses—like movement (vestibular), body awareness (proprioception), and touch (tactile)—in helping children learn and grow. Her research laid the foundation for understanding how sensory differences can impact learning and showed how alternative sensory pathways can open new doors for kids who need a different approach.