How Sensory Integration Therapy Can Help Your Child Thrive
Does your child cry or act overwhelmed when faced with bright lights or unfamiliar food textures? Do you often find them “acting out physically, such as jumping around or banging on walls? Both cases can indicate your child has a sensory processing disorder–but sensory integration therapy at Skills on the Hill can help!
We take in sensory input every day. For example, your body registered the temperature and taste of the coffee you drank this morning. Once your body registers that input, your brain tells you how to react. Was your coffee too hot? Then you might have put it down to let it cool.
When a child has a sensory processing disorder, they react to stimuli in unexpected ways. Some kids might become overwhelmed by stimuli; others don’t seem to react to it at all. This manifests as behaviors that seem odd to outsiders–but seem reasonable to your child (just like you waiting for your coffee to cool).
Unfortunately, these behaviors can often impact your child’s life in negative ways, making it hard for them to manage school or navigate crowded spaces. Sensory integration therapy is a fun, scientifically-backed approach to helping your child manage their sensory integration difficulties so they can thrive in school and social situations alike.
What exactly does sensory integration therapy entail? Keep reading to find out!
Two Types of Sensory Integration Difficulties
First, it’s important to recognize that there are two main ways children can struggle with sensory input. While their symptoms will look a little different, sensory integration therapy can help with both types.
- Hypersensitivity: Some children are overly sensitive to sensory input, leading to them over-responding to stimuli. They’ll complain about certain textures, tastes, or sounds, often to the point of melting down if they experience them. They’re often easily overwhelmed.
- Hyposensitivity: When a child is hyposensitive, they will under-respond to stimuli. For example, they might not notice if something is too hot or cold. As a result, they attempt to create stimuli, although what that looks like can vary–they might turn music up very loud or constantly fidget.
Our pediatric therapists can help you better understand your child’s sensory processing difficulties. These difficulties manifest very differently based on which specific stimuli your child struggles with (i.e., sounds, tastes, spatial awareness, etc). Our experts will observe your child and help interpret their symptoms so we can develop a treatment plan that suits their needs.
What Exactly is Sensory Integration Therapy?
During sensory integration therapy, our pediatric therapists will expose your child to different sensory inputs. This helps them become more accustomed to those inputs and, in the process, manage their reactions in a more organized way.
While that might sound serious, we actually strive to make it fun! Sensory integration therapy is a play-based therapy, and we use toys, games, or playground-type equipment to introduce various sensory stimuli.
For example, if your child’s sensory issues are rooted in sound, we might have them play with toy instruments. If they’re rooted in spatial awareness, we might have them swing or play in a ball pit. Everything is tailored to your child’s needs.
We frequently pair sensory integration therapy with a sensory diet. This has nothing to do with food; instead, think of it as a home exercise program for sensory input.
We’ll provide you with different activities or techniques your child can use if they start to feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed by sensory stimuli. For example, if they start to feel overwhelmed, we might have them read for 10 minutes. If they’re feeling underwhelmed, we might have them perform 10 jumping jacks. Sensory diets can also include different sensory experiences (like eating crunchy foods).
As with our sensory integration program, we’ll customize your child’s sensory diet to suit their needs.
Get Started with a Comprehensive Assessment Today
If you suspect your child has sensory processing difficulties, schedule an appointment with Skills on the Hill! Our team can assess your child’s symptoms and develop a personalized program to help them better navigate through the world.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559155
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/sensory-diet-treatment-what-you-need-to-know