Your child’s overall growth and development depends on their ability to understand the world around them using their senses. If your child is struggling with sensory processing, our expert occupational therapists are here to help. Keep reading to find out what sensory processing is, why it is important, and how it can be improved with pediatric occupational therapy.
What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is the ability to receive and understand information that the body gathers from its senses (sensory input). This is vital because sensory input is what allows us to interact with the environment, react to new situations, and learn. Children with a sensory processing disorder can be hypersensitive to this input (easily overwhelmed by it) or hyposensitive (unable to sense it).
Common Signs of a Hypersensitive Sensory Processing Disorder
Children who experience sensory input more strongly often show the following signs:
- Get upset by loud noises
- Get overwhelmed easily
- Do not like bright lights
- Experience anxiety, especially in crowds
- Throw tantrums or have meltdowns often
- Dislike changes to their routine
- Refuse to wear clothes with tags, certain fabrics, etc.
- Do not enjoy messy activities like finger painting
- Avoid foods based on texture, color, temperature, etc.
Common Signs of a Hyposensitive Sensory Processing Disorder
Children who struggle to experience sensory input often show the following signs:
- Chew on various objects
- Can’t easily sit still or focus
- Have very high energy levels
- Play roughly with other children
- Do not notice extreme heat or cold
- Prefer stronger flavors like spicy, sour, or bitter
- Do not notice pain from injuries or illnesses
- Tend to bump into things or have accidents
How Sensory Processing Disorder Can Impact a Child’s Growth
Children who struggle with sensory processing can have trouble with emotional regulation. This can impact their social development, academic success, and self-esteem. They can also have trouble eating a variety of nutritious foods, which can lead to other health issues down the line. That’s why early intervention for sensory processing disorder is vital for your child’s overall health and wellbeing.
How Can Occupational Therapy Improve My Child’s Sensory Processing Skills?
Our pediatric occupational therapists use proven therapeutic exercises, techniques, and activities to help children overcome sensory processing disorder. We can also give you tips and activities you can do at home with your child to help them continue building their sensory processing skills between therapy sessions. With our one-on-one treatment and your support, we can work together to help your child grow.
Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing
If your child is struggling with articulating their sounds, speech therapy can give them the tools they need for successful speech. This can lead to other incredible benefits such as:
- Increased confidence in new situations
- Stronger tolerance to sensory inputy
- Fewer tantrums and meltdowns
- Increased nutritional intake
- Reduced risk of injury and clumsiness
- Improved quality of life
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation
Pediatric Therapy Partners has clinics in Bossier and Shreveport, LA, to meet your family’s needs. All you have to do is call us at (318) 746-1199 or fill out the contact form below and our Intake Coordinator will help you schedule your child’s speech therapy evaluation.