Sensory information is received from our senses:
- sight
- sound
- touch
- taste
- smell
- body position
- movement and balance
- interoception (tells us about our needs such as hunger, thirst, heart rate, etc.)
What are the signs that a child may be sensitive to sensations?
Children may be oversensitive to sensations if they:
- Think clothing feels too scratchy or itchy
- Think lights seem too bright
- Think sounds seem too loud
- Think soft touches feel too hard
- Experience food textures that make them gag
- Have poor balance or seem clumsy
- Are afraid to play on the swings
- React poorly to sudden movements, touches, loud noises, or bright lights
- Have behavior problems
Children may be under-sensitive to sensations if they:
- Can’t sit still
- Seek thrills (loves jumping, heights, and spinning)
- Can spin without getting dizzy
- Don’t pick up on social cues
- Don’t recognize personal space
- Chew on things (including their hands and clothing)
- Seek visual stimulation (like electronics)
- Have problems sleeping
- Don’t recognize when their face is dirty or nose is running
How can I get a referral to pediatric occupational therapy?
Make an appointment with a primary care provider in our family medicine department or pediatrics department to discuss any concerns about your child’s sensory development. Your child’s provider can treat underlying medical conditions and provide a referral for occupational therapy as appropriate to your child’s needs.
What to expect during pediatric occupational therapy:
At your first visit, the therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to better understand how your child’s condition affects his or her ability to perform daily tasks and activities. Next, the therapist will create an individualized treatment plan. She will discuss the treatment plan with you, including activities that will be included in future therapy sessions to reach your treatment goals.
Sensory Integration Therapy includes standardized tests and a clinical approach to identify and reduce sensory integration problems in children. It uses structured activities with specific sensory input to encourage the brain and body to efficiently process and reaction to the sensations.
