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Jody Dwyer

Jody Dwyer

Senior Occupational Therapist

Sensory Processing in Paediatric OT

young children focused in school and showing good sensory integration

Sensory processing is a crucial aspect of child development. It’s fundamental to understand that the way a child perceives and responds to sensory stimuli from their environment is integral to their overall growth and capacity to learn. This involves the brain receiving, interpreting, and responding to information received through the senses. When this process functions optimally, it supports a myriad of developmental areas, including motor skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. However, when sensory processing does not function optimally, it can lead to sensory processing disorders (SPDs). This may manifest as oversensitivity, under sensitivity, or poor sensory discrimination; significantly affecting daily activities, learning, or interaction with peers.

Paediatric Occupational Therapy (or pediatric OT) can play a pivotal role in addressing challenges related to sensory processing. By employing targeted strategies and interventions, paediatric OT helps children navigate sensory experiences more effectively. In this post, we delve into the complexities of sensory processing, exploring its significance in paediatric OT and the impact it can have on a child’s engagement with the world.

Sensory Processing Issues in Children

Sensory processing refers to how the brain and nervous system receives, organises, and responds to sensory information from the environment. It involves the integration of sensory input from various sources, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, to enable appropriate responses. This process is crucial for developing cognitive skills, emotional regulation, and social skills, and underpins a child’s ability to learn from and adapt to their surroundings. Sensory integration issues occur when these systems have difficulty interpreting and responding to sensory information correctly (leading to challenges in performing everyday tasks).

Common sensory integration issues in children may present as over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to sensory stimuli. For instance, a child might be overly sensitive to sounds, leading to discomfort in noisy environments, or they might be under-sensitive to touch, resulting in a lack of awareness of pain or temperature. Or a child may seek excessive sensory experiences, like spinning or jumping, to fulfil their sensory needs.
Some common signs a child may be exhibiting sensory integration issues include:

  • Avoidance of certain textures or foods due to sensitivity in taste or touch
  • Difficulty with balance, coordination, or navigating through space
  • Strong preference for or against certain types of clothing or fabrics
  • Extreme reactions to loud noises or bright lights
  • Difficulty with focus or attention due to overwhelming sensory input

These sensory issues can significantly impact a child’s life and development. They can affect a child’s motor skills, social interactions, learning abilities, and overall quality of life. It’s essential to understand that sensory processing issues are not a reflection of a child’s intelligence or life-long potential, but rather the unique way their body interprets sensory information.

Role of Occupational Therapists in Sensory Processing

Occupational therapists play a pivotal role in addressing sensory processing issues in children. They are trained to assess and treat sensory processing paediatric challenges, helping children engage in meaningful activities or “occupations” such as playing, learning, and socialising.

Occupational therapy for children often involves sensory integration therapy, where therapists use fun, play-based activities to help children respond appropriately to sensory stimuli. These activities are designed to be engaging and tailored to each child’s specific needs, gradually guiding them towards improved sensory processing. For example, a child with a sensitivity to touch might be gradually exposed to different textures through play dough, sand, or water activities. This controlled, therapy-based exposure helps build tolerance and positive associations with various sensory experiences.

In addition to direct sensory integration work, occupational therapists also educate and empower parents and caregivers with strategies to support their child’s sensory needs at home and in other environments. This might include creating sensory-friendly spaces, offering tools for managing sensory overload, and providing guidance on how to incorporate sensory integration techniques into daily routines.

At Therapy Partners, our occupational therapists can also collaborate with educators and other professionals involved in a child’s care, ensuring a cohesive approach that supports the child across all environments. By addressing sensory processing issues comprehensively, occupational therapists play a crucial role in enhancing a child’s ability to overcome challenges posed by sensory processing.

Benefits of Sensory Processing Strategies (in Paediatric OT)

Sensory processing strategies in pediatric OT can significantly enhance a child’s ability to engage with the world around them. By improving their sensory processing abilities, children can better manage sensory stimuli, leading to improved motor skills, social interactions, and learning abilities. Through targeted interventions and playful, therapy-based activities, occupational therapists can help children to develop the skills necessary to process sensory information more effectively.

These strategies can also have long-term benefits on a child’s development and quality of life. By addressing sensory processing issues early, children can build a strong foundation for future learning and social engagement.
Sensory processing strategies can benefit children by:

  • Enhancing a child’s self-esteem
  • Increasing independence in daily activities
  • Facilitating more positive interactions
  • Fostering better coping mechanisms for sensory overload
  • Improving overall feelings of well-being

For parents, supporting your child’s sensory processing at home can be as simple as creating a sensory-friendly environment, providing opportunities for sensory play, and maintaining a routine to provide predictability and structure. This might include setting up specific areas in the home dedicated to calming sensory activities, using sensory tools like weighted blankets or fidget toys, and incorporating sensory breaks into the day. Engaging in these practices not only supports the child’s sensory needs but also reinforces the therapeutic work done in occupational therapy sessions, ensuring a consistent and holistic approach to sensory integration.

In summary, sensory processing is a vital aspect of a child’s development, impacting a child’s interaction with their environment and their ability to learn, grow, and develop crucial life skills. Understanding and addressing sensory processing issues is essential for fostering a supportive environment that promotes healthy development.

If your child is struggling with sensory processing issues, it’s important to know that help is available and that they are not alone in this journey. With the right support and strategies, children with sensory integration difficulties can thrive and engage meaningfully with the world around them. At Therapy Partners, our team of experienced occupational therapists is dedicated to working closely with you and your child to understand their unique needs and develop effective, personalised strategies for sensory integration.

For more information, contact us today to speak with one of our therapists, or simply head to our Referral page if you’re ready to get started

Jody Dwyer

Jody Dwyer

Senior Occupational Therapist

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