Sensory Modulation

There is no one universally agreed upon definition of sensory modulation - it depends upon the context in which it is used and by whom.  

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A group of occupational therapists researching for a succinct definition came up with this in 2019:

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"Sensory modulation is considered a twofold process. It originates in the central nervous system as the neurological ability to regulate and process sensory stimuli; this subsequently offers the individual an opportunity to respond behaviourally to the stimulus".

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 Anahita Brown, Tamara Tse & Tracy Fortune (2019) Defining sensory modulation: A review of the concept and a contemporary definition for application by occupational therapists, Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 26:7, 515-523, DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2018.1509370

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More simply, the opening sentence in Queensland OTs Julie O'Sullivan and Carolyn Fitzgibbons' book about sensory modulation, is how I use the term:

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"Sensory modulation is a therapeutic intervention that engages a person's senses to change how they feel" 

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Julie O'Sullivan and Carolyn Fitzgibbon (2018) Sensory Modulation, Changing how you feel through Using Your Senses, Resource Manual, Part 1, Ch1:Introduction, p5

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I will work with you to discover your unique sensory processing preferences and challenges, then help develop a range of sensory strategies to incorporate into your life, aiming to assist you to follow your valued directions.

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