Meeting Your Child's Sensory Needs

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 them.

Occupational therapists are skilled professionals who can assess and assist children & young people with sensory difficulties (RCOT, 2021).

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.

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.