Define sensory integration.

Sensory integration refers to the process through which the brain organizes and interprets sensory input from multiple sources, allowing individuals to respond appropriately to their environment. This involves combining data from various senses—such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—into a cohesive understanding of what is happening around them.

When sensory integration occurs effectively, individuals can engage with their surroundings more comprehensively, facilitating learning and adaptive behavior. For example, when eating, a person uses taste, smell, and texture to enjoy their meal fully, illustrating how the brain integrates these sensory experiences into a complete perception of the food.

Other concepts, like focusing on a single sense, handling sensory overload, or developing one specific sensory skill, do not encompass the full scope of sensory integration as a holistic and combinatory process. These aspects may relate to sensory experiences but do not capture the essence of synthesizing multiple sensory inputs.