What Is Sensory Processing Difficulty And How KidsOT Can Help? 

Sensory processing difficulty is a condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information. This can be something that affects all of the senses, or just one. For example, a person with sensory processing difficulties might not be able to stand certain textures against their skin, or they might find loud noises overwhelming. 

Some people with sensory processing difficulties may exhibit atypical behaviours, which can often be mistaken for bad behaviour. It’s important to remember that these behaviours are not intentional, and are often a sign that the child is struggling to cope with their sensory environment. 

Signs of Sensory Processing Difficulties 

Most parents know their children like the back of their hand, so to speak. They can usually tell when something isn’t quite right, even if they can’t quite put their finger on it. This is especially true when it comes to sensory processing difficulties. 

Some common signs that a child may be experiencing sensory processing difficulties are: 

• Screaming or crying when their faces get wet
• Throwing tantrums when trying to get dressed or undressed
• Fear of sudden loud noises
• Excessive head banging
• Eating or drinking more than usual in order to soothe themselves

If you’re seeing a number of these symptoms in your child, it’s worth getting them assessed by a professional. 

Benefits of Occupational Therapy in Treating Sensory Processing Difficulties 

There are many benefits of occupational therapy intervention for individuals with sensory processing difficulties. OTs can help clients to better integrate sensory information, which can lead to an increase in independence and improved functioning in all areas of life. In addition, OTs can help clients to participate in their activities of daily life more effectively, with a reduced risk of frustration and fatigue. Intervention often includes movement activities, resistive body work, and skin brushing, all of which can be helpful in improving sensory processing. 

How KidsOT Helps Children Overcome Sensory Processing Difficulties 

As a parent, you might be wondering what types of activities an occupational therapist does to help children with SPD. Occupational therapists utilise a therapeutic approach called “sensory integration,” which is designed to help the brain make sense of incoming sensory information from the environment. 

In addition to the various types of sensory activities they utilise to address these difficulties, OTs may also use visual schedules and other strategies to help individuals with SPD complete daily occupations such as self-care, school and play. This can help improve their ability to regulate their emotions and behaviours, as well as increase their confidence and self-esteem. 

By providing a safe and supportive space to explore activities that stimulate the senses in an appropriate way, KidsOT can help children overcome their sensory processing difficulties so that they can participate in daily occupations with greater ease and success. 

Tips for Parents to Help Their Child Through Sensory Processing Difficulties 

When it comes to helping your child cope with their sensory processing difficulties, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. For starters, make sure to eliminate fluorescent lights and reduce visual distractions in their environment as much as possible. 

Make sure to also utilise a checklist when it comes to determining what activities make them uncomfortable and which give them pleasure. This can help you identify strategies for your child to use that can reduce their discomfort and increase the pleasurable activities they enjoy doing. 

Creating a safe space for your child is also key. This could take the form of a quiet place or corner in your home where your child can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. You could even make a comfort kit that includes items such as noise cancelling headphones, weighted blanket, fidget toys and other items that can help your child relax and stay focused. 

By following these tips, you’ll be able to help your child through sensory processing difficulties, while helping them achieve their daily occupations such as self-care, school and play so as to enhance their confidence, self-esteem, social skills and general wellbeing. 

FAQs on KidsOT Services for Overcoming Sensory Processing Difficulties 

To better understand how KidsOT can help with sensory processing difficulties, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions. 

Q1. How can an OT help with my child’s sensory processing issues? 

A1. Occupational therapists can provide treatment for sensory processing issues in children. Through an individualised and comprehensive evaluation process, occupational therapists are able to develop an intervention programme that is tailored to your child’s needs and goals. Techniques such as sensory integration therapy, motor skills training, and emotional regulation strategies may be used to help your child improve their ability to process incoming sensory information from their environment. 

Q2. What is sensory processing disorder (SPD)? 

A2. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological disorder that affects the way people interpret and respond to sensory information from their environment. It results in an inability to properly process information from sight, sound, touch and movement which can interfere with daily occupations such as self-care, school and play so as to enhance their confidence, self-esteem, social skills and general wellbeing. 

Q3. What does Occupational Therapy do for SPD? 

A3. Occupational therapy can help children with SPD with techniques designed to improve motor skills, emotional regulation and body awareness so that they are able to engage more effectively in daily activities by reinforcing behaviour and teaching them new ways of responding to sensory input from their environment. 

How Spring Forward Family Centre Helps Children and Families 

Spring Forward Family Centre provides comprehensive support to the Autistic community, including innovative therapy rooms that are designed specially for kids with sensory processing difficulties. Occupational therapists work closely with the children and their families to develop strategies that can better help them cope with sensory stimulus such as loud noises, bright colours, and strong smells. 

The team at Spring Forward also assists parents in understanding the diagnosis of their children and give them tips on how to manage the disorder. They can provide valuable advice on various situations, from implementing calming techniques during challenging moments to helping create positive environments at home and in school. By offering such support, this helps improve the confidence, self-esteem and social skills of the children and enhances their general wellbeing. 

Conclusion 

So how do you help your child with sensory processing difficulties? Occupational therapy is one approach that can be incredibly beneficial. OT helps children to learn how to interact with their environment in a way that allows them to participate as fully as possible in the activities and occupations that are important to them.