Sensory Integration Therapy is “the organization of sensation for use. It is organizing all the information coming in from the senses: mainly visual, auditory, vestibular and proprioceptive to make an adaptive (or appropriate) response” (Cecilia Cruse, Every Child a Shining Star). It is based on the belief that integration of the sensory system is the foundation for successful development of motor abilities, organization, attention, language, and interpersonal relationships. 

Reported Strengths/Benefits of Sensory Integration Therapy

1. Individualistic approach to intervention-caters to the child’s individual needs as to what stimulation is provided throughout therapy, and not so much what the therapist wants to do.
2. Utilizes a team approach to therapy: OT/PT, SLP, Psychologist, School Teacher and/or Counselor, etc.
3. Goal of treatment: to provide the child with sensory information that will assist in organizing the vestibular, tactile, and proprioceptive systems so that he/she can develop higher functioning abilities (i.e. language, attention, and motor abilities)
4. Philosophy is consistent with the neurological classification of autism and developmental research Reported

Weaknesses/Limitations/Concerns of Sensory Integration Therapy

1. The therapist may be more focused on motor learning than verbal learning T
2. he therapist may adapt their therapy to their own beliefs, and therefore make it more clinician-directed than child-directed.
3. Requires an OT with expertise in the area of SI
4. May not be compatible with some behavioral approaches of eliminating problematic behaviors through rewards and consequences
5. Limited empirical research data exists on the effectiveness of SI Treatment programs
6. Significant harm can occur when sensory systems that hyper-responsive are stimulated without informed understanding of the neurological consequences (i.e. seizures)
7. Make sure professionals (i.e. occupational therapist, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists) have training in the SI approach if choosing this avenue in treatment

Cost
Equipment to meet sensory needs can require space and financial resources. The exact cost could not be found, because the cost varies with the type of professional giving treatment.

References
Cermak. Sharon A., EdD, OTR, & Henderson, Anne, PhD, OTR. (1990). The Efficacy of Sensory Integration Procedures. Sensory Integration Quarterly, 1-23.
Cruse, Cecilia, MS, OTR/L (instructor). Every Child a Shining Star: A Unique Collaboration of Teachers and Therapist. Career Improvement & Advancement Opportunities.
Fertel-Daly, Doreen, Bedell, Gary, & Jim Hinojosa. (2001). Effects of a Weighted Vest on Attention to Task and Self-Stimulatory Behaviors in Preschoolers with Pervasive Developmental Disorders. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55, 629-639.
Griffer, M.R. (1999). Is sensory integration effective for children with language-learning disorders? A critical review of the evidence. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in School, 30, 392-399.
Kashman, N. & Mora, J. (2005). The Sensory Connection. Las Vegas: Sensory Resources.
Mauer, D. M. (1999). Issues and applications of sensory integration theory and treatment with children with language disorders. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in School, 30, 383-392.
Richard, G. J. (2000). Sensory Integration. The Source for Treatment Methodologies in Autism. East Moline: LinguiSystems. 96-108.
Schaaf, R.C. & Miler, L.J. (2005). Occupation therapy using a sensory integrative approach for children with developmental disabilities. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 11, 143-148.