At each stage of development, a child displays countless shades of behaviour and personality. They acquire new skills that prepare them for functioning in society. And although every child has their own unique way of perceiving and responding to the world around them, certain behaviours may signal that they may have difficulty processing and responding to external stimuli.
Consult a specialist if your child displays:
In these cases, a consultation with a sensory integration therapist and possibly a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist is recommended.
It is common for a little one to need a bit more time to master certain motor skills. Clumsy movements and stumbling may be part of the process in which the child explores their body and the space around them. However, if these occur regardless of the surface — whether flat or uneven, dry or wet — it may be a signal to consult a therapist.
From infancy, a child learns about emotions through observing their surroundings. They also carry their own set of feelings from the prenatal period. Recognising and learning about emotional states is an integral part of childhood. It is also important during this period to teach the child how to manage emotions skilfully.
When a child:
…on the one hand, they may be learning to understand and express feelings; on the other hand, they may be signalling that they cannot cope with their emotions on their own. It is important to observe the child carefully, teach them to manage their emotions, find words to describe them, and find a way to express them calmly.
Children affected by sensory hypersensitivity may avoid certain situations or behaviours that cause them discomfort. They may react extremely emotionally to certain stimuli — to the sensation of moisture, various textures, or loud sounds. Even a light touch, clothing with stiff, scratchy labels, or changes in temperature can cause discomfort.
This can affect their ability to concentrate, participate in social activities, and achieve educational goals. Through systematic and controlled exposure of the child to a variety of stimuli and specialised sensory techniques, sensory integration therapists help the child gradually become accustomed to the stimuli that trigger hypersensitivity.
If your child loves the freedom of movement and exploration, that is wonderful! It may be a sign of healthy physical development. However, if you notice that certain behaviours seem more unusual:
…it is worth observing them carefully. It may simply be a matter of developmental stage, but regardless, it is worth consulting a sensory integration therapist.
Sensory processing is a complex process in which our senses receive various sensory stimuli — such as sounds, images, touch, and smells — and the brain analyses this information and organises it in a way that enables us to respond appropriately and function in our surrounding environment. It is a process that is crucial to our perceptual, cognitive, and motor abilities.
When sensory processing functions correctly, it enables us to adapt to changing environmental conditions and respond effectively to external stimuli. In practice, this means we are able to:
In the case of children who are learning not only motor skills but also analytical and social skills, difficulties in sensory processing may arise.
Sensory integration disorders, which result from problems in sensory processing, affect various aspects of functioning — body awareness, balance, motor coordination, and the ability to plan movement. In children whose sensory stimuli are processed incorrectly, difficulties in adapting to and reacting to their environment may emerge.
Supporting the development of sensory processes is crucial for children who may have difficulties processing stimuli from their environment and developing sensorimotor skills. The therapeutic process begins with a thorough diagnosis that enables an understanding of the child's needs and areas requiring support.
The initial diagnostic consultation lasts on average 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the child's age and individual needs. Therapeutic sessions begin with an in-depth interview with the parents and an analysis of the child's sensory-motor development.
Parents — what might you be asked during your child's first visit?
The presence of parents (or at least one parent) during the first visit to a sensory integration therapist is essential. The therapist wants to learn not only about the child, their current behaviour, and their responses to stimuli, but also about the course of pregnancy and delivery.
Pregnancy and delivery:
Child's development:
Current functioning:
The therapist will be interested not only in the child's psychomotor development during infancy but also in other aspects of their development. Depending on the child's age, there may be fewer or more questions. They will be tailored to the child's current abilities.
This will lead to the next step in the diagnosis — the sensorimotor analysis of the child. Based on observation, the therapist assesses:
This allows for a more precise assessment of the child's reactions and behaviours in the context of various situations.
The purpose of this diagnostic process is to identify areas in which the child may have difficulties and to determine a personalised therapeutic approach. Through this analysis, the therapist can develop a treatment plan that focuses on building specific sensory and motor skills.
Therapeutic support may include a variety of techniques and exercises aimed at improving sensory processing and stimulating the child's senses. It is important for parents to be involved in the therapeutic process, as they are closest to the child and can observe their progress in the home environment as well.
The goal of sensory integration therapy is to increase the child's tolerance of sensory stimuli and to improve their ability to cope in situations that previously triggered strong reactions.
Sensory integration therapy is primarily about building a relationship with the child through shared play. As a result, therapy rooms are actually spaces filled with colourful toys, hammocks, and swings. They more closely resemble a playroom than a place where a therapeutic process takes place. This is one of the tasks of an SI therapist — to create a comfortable atmosphere in which the young patient can feel at ease and, above all, safe.
This article was reviewed by Małgorzata Hwang — sensory integration therapist, special education teacher.
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