Sensory Integration Disorders
When a child's brain struggles to process sensory information, it can lead to restlessness, hypersensitivity, language difficulties or attention problems. At Activate, we treat the root cause with an integrated approach (Giger MD®, Tomatis® method, micronutrition) to restore lasting sensory integration.
When the senses overwhelm: could your child have a sensory integration disorder?
Imagine an orchestra where every musician plays their own score… without a conductor. The result? A disorganised, stressful cacophony that's impossible to follow. This is somewhat like what a child experiences when their brain cannot properly organise the sensory information it receives every day.
1. Sensory integration: our automatic pilot for daily life
From birth, our brain continuously receives signals from our five senses… but also from what are called our "internal senses": balance (vestibular), body position (proprioception), and bodily signals (interoception). Sensory integration is the essential neurological process that sorts, organises, filters and prioritises this information, enabling us to respond appropriately to our environment.
It helps us to:
stand upright without falling,
stay focused despite background noise,
regulate our emotions,
react quickly when something hurts or frightens us,
and even… understand others' intentions through their tone of voice or gestures.
Every day, at school, at home or at nursery, this system is heavily relied upon: noise, movement, light, emotions, social interactions… For most children, all of this integrates without them having to think about it. But for others, it's an entirely different story.
2. When the brain stops filtering: recognising the signs of a disorder
When sensory integration isn't working properly, a child may react excessively… or not at all to stimuli. This isn't misbehaviour: it's neurological.
Here are some warning signs to watch for:
➤ Signs of hypersensitivity:
They startle at the slightest noise.
They hate certain textures (clothing, food, materials).
They avoid physical games or physical contact.
➤ Signs of hyposensitivity:
They don't notice when they're hurt or bump into things without reacting.
They seek intense sensations (rocking, throwing themselves on the floor).
They seem "elsewhere", paying little attention to their surroundings.
➤ Other common signs:
Difficulty coordinating movements.
Explosive behaviour, "unexplained" meltdowns.
Delays in language or learning.
Poor sleep, anxiety, need for control.
These children are often labelled as "disruptive", "slow" or "immature"… when in reality they are constantly struggling to understand and organise a world that bombards them with sensory information.
3. What conventional approaches offer
When a sensory integration disorder is suspected, the usual recommendations include:
Sensory occupational therapy sessions: these help children better tolerate or seek appropriate stimulation through adapted activities.
Environmental adaptations: noise-cancelling headphones, tagless clothing, modified classroom settings.
These approaches can provide relief… but they don't **treat the underlying cause** of the disorder. And when these difficulties are accompanied by ADD or ADHD, the conventional response is sometimes to prescribe medication.
But is that really the best solution?
4. At Activate, we've discovered another path
At the Activate centre in Geneva, we have observed that sensory integration disorders are almost always present in children with ADD or ADHD – whether diagnosed or not.
In response to parents' needs, we have developed a non-invasive, integrated protocol that restores proper sensory integration in just 3 months.
This protocol combines three powerful pillars:
🔁 Giger MD®: reprogramming the brain through movement
Using an innovative Swiss machine, the child performs thousands of rhythmic cross-pattern movements in just a few minutes, reactivating coordination between motor, cognitive and emotional centres. The result: better posture, less restlessness, improved concentration.
🎧 Audio-psycho-phonology: harmonising sensory pathways
Wearing a special headset, the child listens to filtered and modulated music that acts directly on the brain's auditory and sensory connections. They become calmer, regulate their emotions better, and become more attentive… without conscious effort.
🌱 Targeted micronutrition: nourishing the connections
We assess common deficiencies (magnesium, omega-3, iron, B vitamins…) that disrupt neurological regulation. Precise supplementation supports attention, mood and learning.
✅ Concrete, lasting results
Here, we're not talking about compensation: this is genuine deep reprogramming of sensory networks. Children gain stability, confidence and independence. And parents rediscover a child who is more present and more at ease.
5. Why not talk to us about it?
Does your child show some of the signs mentioned above? Do you sense that they "take in too much" or "not enough" of what's happening around them? Would you rather not go straight to medication?
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with Julien Frère, our specialist in sensory integration and neurodevelopment.
Book your appointment now. This could be the starting point for a completely new daily life for your child… and for you.