Are you asking yourself, “Does my child need OT?” or “How does OT help my child?” Paediatric occupational therapy (OT) can provide support, treatment, and management for a broad array of conditions and difficulties that children of all ages may be facing. It is a form of care that may be beneficial to your child depending on their needs and abilities. Our occupational therapists are highly experienced in delivering high quality care to assist children with a variety of difficulties, including sensory processing issues.
Sensory processing issues can present in differing ways from person to person and may create various challenges throughout life. If your child is experiencing difficulties, it could be advantageous to have an OT assessment. Their occupational therapist will then decide if occupational therapy may be suitable for your child and develop a personalised plan if so.
To learn more about sensory processing issues and how occupational therapy may support children with related difficulties, please read on.
What Are Sensory Processing Issues?
When a child is dealing with sensory processing issues, they have too little or too much stimulation coming to them via their senses (known as hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity). This can cause challenges that may lead to discomfort and feeling overwhelmed. Because the child finds processing information from external and internal input difficult, they may react in unexpected ways. For example, they may find their clothing is too uncomfortable and become upset, or they may become aggressive or withdraw upon hearing loud noises.
The challenges children with sensory processing issues face can make day-to-day life hard for them and for those around them. Children with these difficulties are often misunderstood and may be seen, for example, as picky eaters, clumsy, immature, aggressive, impulsive, or moody. This may lead to other issues such as isolation, anxiety, and having no friends. Intervention is often advantageous and can be begun at any time, although earlier may be beneficial.
Why Choose OT for Sensory Processing Issues?
Occupational therapy aims to help children navigate the sensory information we gain from our environment and from our own bodies in an adaptive and functional manner. The goal is to help children take part in everyday life, to reduce the difficulties they face caused by sensory processing issues and improve their overall quality of life. Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach, which means that it considers the whole child rather than the sensory issues alone. This involves aspects such as personal interests, emotional wellbeing, and social engagement.
Occupational therapy that is tailored to a child’s specific requirements and preferences has the potential to help them to:
- Identify, understand, regulate, and deliver more suitable motor and behavioural responses to sensory information.
- Better engage with others and create relationships.
- Enhance academic participation and performance.
- Develop coping mechanisms and action appropriate strategies.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Increase concentration levels.
- Participate in activities that bring them joy.
Occupational Therapy Options for Sensory Processing Issues
There are different approaches that an occupational therapist may take to support a child with sensory processing issues, depending on what is causing them trouble and how it affects their life. After a comprehensive assessment and discussion with the child and caregivers, the OT will develop a tailored plan.
One of the common approaches for treatment is called sensory integration therapy. The occupational therapist provides sensory input and creates experiences that help the child develop necessary skills and strategies to regulate their sensory response. This can involve activities such as spinning, using a weighted vest, bouncing on large balls, and brushing, which involves deep pressure and joint compression. This form of therapy is typically play-based for children to maintain a sense of fun and targets their reaction to and way of coping with sensory input. Your child’s occupational therapist can also provide you with therapy techniques and activities that you can carry out at home to further support your child.
Comprehensive Therapy and Support for Your Child
If you suspect your child is having difficulties with sensory processing, or they have received a formal diagnosis, it may be advantageous to consider an occupational therapy assessment. We will evaluate your child and determine the best course of action. Our occupational therapists do so based on evidence-based research and clinical experience and are constantly updating their knowledge and skills as new research on the topic arises.
Occupational therapy is a versatile and holistic treatment option that aims to assist children with sensory processing difficulties to live the most fulfilling life they can. If you are interested in finding out if occupational therapy may suit your child’s needs, please contact our friendly team to organise an initial consultation.
