STADS Occupational Therapy · Sensory overload
Sensory integration therapy
The alarm clock, birds singing, a conversation with colleagues. Stimuli you always took for granted suddenly cost a lot of energy. We work out which ones they are and how to plan your day around them.
or call 040 – 311 1152 / 013 – 303 0362
No referral needed10 hours from basic insuranceAlso at your homeNo waiting list
What it is
What is sensory integration?
Your body is exposed to stimuli all day long. Your brain filters and processes them without you noticing. Just as well – it means you can play sport, sit in meetings, cook, cycle and follow a conversation without thinking.
How it develops
When does that system get disrupted?
This system can get out of balance because of illness, an injury, long-term overload or congenital problems. Think of a concussion, acquired brain injury, burnout, MS, autism or whiplash.
Click through
Seven senses, not five
As well as sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste, you also have a sense of balance and a sense of body position. Click on the sense that’s playing up for you.
Welk zintuig speelt bij jou op?
Kies wat op jou van toepassing is, dan lees je wat we daaraan doen.
How you notice it
How do you notice it?
Stimuli you always took for granted – the alarm clock, birds singing, music on the radio, conversations with colleagues – suddenly cost a lot more energy.
Because of the overload, you get tired more quickly, you get headaches and you can no longer concentrate. Getting through the day becomes harder and harder: you get a shorter fuse, you’re more easily emotional, and above all you’re tired.
What we do
What does the sensory integration therapist do?
We map out which stimuli lead to overload, and which signals your body gives that it’s time to ease off. Those signals are usually there, but you only recognise them once you learn to look out for them.
Often little can be done about the cause of the symptoms. But a lot can be done about how you deal with them. Together you develop a strategy to get through your day without being completely drained by the evening.
What it gives you
What does it give you?
Usually not a life free of stimuli, but a sense of control. You know which situations cost you energy, you recognise the moment to step in, and you can plan your day so there’s still something left at the end for the things you enjoy.
Questions
What people often ask us
Will I be free of overload again?
Usually not, and that isn’t the goal either. The goal is control: you know which situations cost you energy, you recognise the moment to step in, and there’s still something left at the end of the day.
Is this only for children?
No. Sensory integration therapy is better known for children, but sensory overload is just as common after a concussion, with brain injury, burnout, MS and autism at any age.
How do I know if sensory overload is my problem?
A common pattern: the day seems manageable, but by the evening you’re spent. Or you notice you’re starting to avoid supermarkets, birthday parties and busy offices without knowing exactly why.
What happens at the first appointment?
We go through an ordinary day with you and work out which moments cause overload. They’re often different moments from the ones you expected.
Questions first?
Rather talk to someone first?
Not sure if we can help, or have a question about your treatment or reimbursement? Feel free to get in touch.
Call the practice
You’ll speak to one of us straight away. We’ll check the diary together there and then.
Leave your details
Fill in the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.