What is Sensory Integration?
It is the ability to receive and accurately process information from our senses. We use this information to organize our behavior and successfully interact with our world.
My Child Sees and Hears Fine, How Can There be an Issue?
We usually only think about the 5 major senses; hearing, touch, taste, sight and smell; but there are other senses that are essential to our survival. These systems include our Vestibular system which processes balance and movement and the Proprioceptive system which is our internal awareness of our joints and muscles in space. These two systems also give us the ability to modulate behavior and attention.
What Causes These Problems?
There does seem to be a link within family members. Parents will often tell us " this is like me." There is also a risk for kids that had some birth trauma, pregnant mothers that spent a lot of time on bed rest and children from overseas adoptions.
What Do We Mean by Delays?
When we use the term "delay" it does not necessarily mean something severe. The following are areas where delays are found:
Motor Development - Developing muscle strength and coordination to perform activities.
Sensory Integration - Processing input from all the senses; movement, taste, hearing, smell, touch and sight.
Social Skills Development - Interacting appropriately with peers, family members, teachers and adults.
Pre-Writing and/or Writing Skills - Writing letters with proper formation, directionality and spacing.
Visual Motor Skills - Coordinating what the eyes see with the hand.
Self-Care Skills - Every activity of liviing: feeding/eating, bathing, getting dressed, and using a toilet.
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Does Your Child...
Have difficulty attending or is over-focused and unable to shift to the next task?
Have low or weak muscle tone?
Need more practice than other children to learn new tasks?
Reverse letters such as b and d or cannot space letters on the lines?
Over-react to touch, taste, sounds, or odors?
Seem overly active and unable to slow down?
Have difficulty forming shapes and letters even when given an example?
Break crayons or pencils frequently or write with heavy pressure?
Not enjoy jumping, swings, or having feet off of the ground?
Dislike coloring or handwriting and tires quickly during written work?
Have poor self-esteem or lack of confidence?
Dislike swimming, bathing, hugs, and/or hair cuts?
Avoid physical activities?
Have difficulty taking care of self (feeding/eating, using the toilet, dressing or bathing)?
If you answered Yes to 2 or more of these questions, please consider an Occupational Therapy screening for your child.
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