Meeting Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Introduction
We all rely on sensory information to function and participate in everyday activities. Most of us instinctively respond to the challenges in daily life, our brain and nervous system (senses) help us to respond quickly, and appropriately to keep our selves safe and comfortable. However, we do not all experience sensation in the same way. Some will demonstrate strong sensory preferences, seeking a sensation as it is pleasing and satisfying whilst others may avoid activities as the sensory experience overwhelms.
Our digital sensory resources have been developed to support parents, carers and education staff to develop their understanding of sensory integration, which will enable a more responsive approach to meeting a child’s sensory needs.
Occupational therapists are skilled professionals who are able to assess and assist children & young people with sensory issues.
The NHS Borders Children & Young Peoples Occupational Therapy Service, offer a needs led service. Occupational Therapists may use sensory theory to form part of their functional assessment. We do not screen for sensory needs or deficits where there are no known functional participation difficulties.
Sensory Development
Sensory stimulation is the input you receive when one or more of your senses are activated. This type of stimulation is important for infant development.
Although the senses develop independently, by the end of the first-year babies achieve sensory integration. They are then able to process information from multiple senses together, especially vision and hearing.
The brain and senses work together to create a meaningful world. Activity in the brain creates tiny electrical connections called synapses. The amount of stimulation an infant receives directly affects how many synapses are formed. Sensory development in early childhood is important for overall health and well-being. Repetitive and consistent stimulation strengthens these synapses and makes them permanent. It continues to be beneficial as babies’ progress to pre-schoolers and it forms the foundation of a child’s learning and perception.
For more information on how to promote your baby or toddler's sensory development, take a look at our video Sensory Development in Infants and Toddlers.
Parent/Carer Sensory Integration Mini Series
This mini series will provide you with an opportunity to understand when your child responds differently to one or more of their senses, how it may impact on their behaviours and ability to effectively perform everyday tasks. Click on the link below:
Sensory Integration Mini Series - YouTube
The transcripts of the Mini Series are available to download:
| What is Sensory Integration? |
| Modulation and Self Regulation |
| Tigger Zone |
| Eeyore Zone |
| Meeting Your Child's Sensory Needs |
If you feel your child is a Tigger or an Eeyore, here are further sensory activty ideas for calming and alerting.
Sensory Integration and Activities of Daily Living
These videos will provide you with specific sensory advice and strategies relating to your child's activities of daily living. Transcripts for each video are available to download:
Strategies for Teenagers
The onset of adolescence is a very challenging time for both teens and their parents. It is a time that is marked with rapid changes, and it is also when many expectations are placed onto teenagers – academic and sporting responsibilities, social pressures, the development of self-identity and emerging freedoms. With increased independence come increased responsibility and the pressure to fit into social groups.
Teenagers have different views on what they like compared to when they were younger. Teens may develop different sensory preferences and may need different sensory activities presented to them.
For more age appropriate strategies and ways to work with your teen to support their sensory needs, take a look at our video Strategies for Teenagers.
Pyramid Problem Solving Tool
We have a pyramid problem solving tool that you can download which may be useful. This problem solving tool, helps us to think about the behaviour and the possible underlying sensory causes. By putting the problem at the very top of the triangle then starting to think about each of the sensory systems below, you may be able to identify if there is a sensory reason for the problem. At the bottom of the pyramid, you list the strategies you wish to try. Click the image to download.
In this example for toothbrushing, using the problem of tantrums when it’s time to brush teeth, we have given examples of the sensory systems that might be receiving too much feedback and strategies you can use to change that, such as trying alternative toothpaste and a vibrating toothbrush. Click the image to download.
It can take several months for sensory strategies to be used effectively. You will likely need to use the strategies you think work best, for you and your child, consistently for around 3 months before knowing for certain that they work. Be prepared for them not to work each and every time so have a few sensory strategies that can be used in these situations.
Further Resources
Kids Scotland Sensory Questionnaire - Joining in with Sensory Differences | NHS GGC
Thinking about your child's sensory needs - Making Sense of Sensory Behaviours (Falkirk Council)
Thinking about your own (parent/carer) sensory needs - Making Sense of Your Sensory Behaviour (Falkirk Council)
Towards a Better Understanding of Sensory Approaches; (RCOT)