What if my child has Difficulty with Sensory Integration??

A quick recap from our previous post about Sensory Integration:
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• Sensory Integration is our body’s way of interpreting and processing all the sensory input we receive and then making decisions based on that information.

 
Children who have difficulty with sensory integration may respond differently to the sensory input they receive. For example:

• A child may receive the same sensory input that everyone else around them is, but their body and brain may not know how to interpret it resulting in difficulty and frustration for the child.
• Or a child may need more (or less) sensory input than other people around them causing them to respond to sensory inputs differently.

 
To quote Dr. Jean Ayres – “The brain locates, sorts, and orders sensations – somewhat as a traffic officer directs moving cars. When sensations flow in a well-organized or integrated manner, the brain can use those sensations to form perceptions, behaviors, and learning. When the flow of sensations is disorganized, life can be like a rush-hour traffic jam.” (Ayers, 2005). 
 
Fortunately, if a child has difficulty with sensory integration, there are many ways that they can be helped and supported.

• After all, that's where I come in as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who specializes in Sensory Integration :)

A Pediatric Occupational Therapist will look at a child and look at how they process sensory information from their environment. Specifically;

• Does a child have difficulty with all types of sensory input?
• Or does a child needs more or less of a specific sensory input?

With this information, a “sensory profile” is made for the child which outlines which sensory input a child needs more of, and which sensory input may be too stimulating for a child. This sensory profile allows us to set up a child's home, school, and community environment so a child can be successful.
 
Sensory Integration is a very unique and personal thing for each child. We all have our own likes and dislikes for sensory input, for example:

• Some children are able to sit in one area for a couple of hours, while some children may need to get up every couple of minutes as their body seeks movement.

 

• Some children need more sensory input in their mouth causing them to place non-food items (toys, straws, shirt collars), etc. into their mouth as their body seeks sensory input.

 

• Some children are very sensitive to touch and can be caught off guard if they are not expecting their arm, back, or hand to be touched. Whereas other children crave and seek out touch from others and like to be close to people.

The important thing to remember is that each child has their own unique and personal sensory profile that is unique and personal to them. As a result, there is no such thing as right or wrong sensory integration – it is all unique to the child. Our job as a parent is to find out how we can best support our child’s sensory integration and sensory needs so they can make sense of the world around them in a vibrant, and enriched way.

1. Curious about what your child's sensory profile is?
2. Want to get a "sensory profile" completed for your child?
3. Send me an email and I will help you determine your child's sensory profile

 
See you soon!
Michael Jankowski, MS, OTR/L
 
References​

• Ayers, A.J. (2005). Sensory Integration and the Child. Torrance, CA: WPS Publishing​