Everyday is a sensory experience...shouldn't we use that to our advantage ?
Sensory-based therapy, also known as sensory integration therapy, is important for children because:
Development of Sensory Processing:
Sensory-based therapy helps children develop their sensory processing skills. Sensory input from the environment, such as touch, movement, sound, and visual stimuli, is processed in the brain and helps children make sense of their surroundings.
By engaging in sensory-based activities, children can improve their ability to process and respond to sensory information more efficiently.
Regulation of Sensory Responses:
Some children may have sensory processing difficulties, where they may be overly sensitive (hypersensitive) or under-sensitive (hyposensitive) to sensory stimuli.
Sensory-based therapy can help children regulate their responses to sensory information, helping them achieve an appropriate and functional response.
Enhancing Motor Skills:
Sensory-based activities often involve movement, coordination, and fine motor skills. By engaging in activities that provide sensory input, children can work on improving their motor skills, gross motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, and ocular motor skills.
These skills are crucial for everyday activities !!
When your child is struggling everyday, as a parent, it can feel heavy, stressful, and we simply want to fix it for them.
Attention and Focus:
Sensory-based therapy can improve attention and focus in children. Sensory input helps to activate and organize the brain, leading to increased alertness and attention.
Sensory 'heavy work' activities that are calming and organizing can help children regulate their arousal levels, which can positively impact their ability to focus and engage in tasks.
Emotional Regulation:
Sensory-based therapy can also help children regulate their emotions. Sensory input can have a calming effect, reducing anxiety and stress.
These sensory outlets can help children express and manage their emotions in a safe and controlled environment.
Overall, sensory-based therapy allows children to improve their sensory processing, regulate their responses to sensory stimuli, enhance their motor skills, improve attention and focus, and promote emotional regulation.
Overall, we can help children manage their day to day activities using a sensory based approach.
Thank you for reading,
Jessica Earle, Occupational Therapist
New Leaf Occupational Therapy - play based therapy practice that serves children and families in various areas of Canada.
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