Sensory integration is the brain’s ability to process information that comes in through the senses. It’s how we make sense of the world around us and interact with it in a meaningful way.

For some children, sensory integration can be challenging, making it difficult for them to learn and navigate their environment. This article will provide an overview of sensory integration and offer strategies for parents to help their child.

What is Sensory Integration?

Sensory integration is the process by which the brain takes in information from the senses, including touch, taste, smell, sound, and sight. The brain then organizes and interprets this information to produce an appropriate response.

This response can be a physical movement, such as reaching for a toy, or an emotional response, like feeling happy or scared.

Sensory integration is essential for learning and engaging in everyday activities. For example, when a child touches a hot stove, sensory integration allows them to quickly pull their hand away to avoid injury.

Sensory integration also helps children to regulate their emotions and behavior. When a child is overwhelmed by sensory input, they may become irritable or have a meltdown. By understanding sensory integration, parents can help their child to regulate their sensations and behaviors.

Sensory Integration Challenges

Children with sensory integration challenges may have difficulty with different sensory experiences. Some children may be hypersensitive, meaning that they are easily overwhelmed by sensory input.

For example, a child with hypersensitivity to touch may refuse to wear certain clothing or avoid hugs and physical contact. Other children may be hyposensitive, meaning that they are less responsive to sensory input. For example, a child with hyposensitivity to sound may be unaware of loud noises or seem unusually quiet.

Some children may have difficulty integrating multiple sensory inputs, leading to sensory overload. This can cause a child to become anxious, agitated or have a meltdown.

Understanding a child’s sensory needs and sensitivities can help parents to create an environment that promotes their child’s sensory integration and regulation.

Strategies to Help Your Child with Sensory Integration

There are several strategies parents can use to help their child with sensory integration. These strategies include:.

1. Figure Out Your Child’s Sensory Preferences

Observing how your child responds to different sensory inputs can help you to determine their sensory preferences. For example, some children may enjoy tactile stimulation, such as play-dough, while others may find it aversive.

By understanding your child’s sensory preferences, you can create an environment that promotes their sensory integration needs.

2. Create a Sensory-Friendly Home Environment

Parents can take steps to create a sensory-friendly home environment for their child. This can include reducing clutter, minimizing noise levels, and using calming colors and patterns in décor.

Parents can also create a sensory corner in their home, which is a designated area where their child can go to feel safe and calm when overwhelmed by sensory input.

3. Offer Sensory-Friendly Toys and Activities

Providing sensory-friendly toys and activities can help to promote a child’s sensory integration. These can include texture exploration activities, like playing with sand or rice, or sensory calming toys such as sensory balls or fidget spinners.

Some children may benefit from a sensory diet, which is a daily routine of sensory activities designed to meet a child’s sensory needs.

4. Use Sensory Input to Help Your Child Calm Down

When children become overwhelmed by sensory input, parents can use sensory input to help them calm down. This can include providing deep pressure input, like a hug or squeeze, or offering a weighted blanket.

Parents can also try using sensory input to help their child focus, such as providing chewy toys or visual stimulation with a lava lamp or a glitter tube.

5. Seek Help When Needed

If a child is struggling with sensory integration, it may be helpful to seek the guidance of an occupational therapist.

An occupational therapist can work with the child to develop personalized strategies for promoting sensory integration, such as therapeutic exercises and activities. They can also work with parents to help them understand their child’s sensory needs and develop a sensory-friendly environment at home.

Conclusion

Sensory integration is an essential process for children to learn and engage in everyday activities. For some children, sensory integration can be challenging, making it difficult for them to regulate their behavior and learn.

Understanding a child’s sensory needs and sensitivities can help parents to create an environment that promotes their child’s sensory integration and regulation. By using sensory-friendly toys and activities, creating a sensory-friendly home environment, and seeking help when needed, parents can support their child’s sensory integration and help them to thrive.