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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Sensory Motor Development, Sensory Integration, Sensory Processing

In case you are wondering...this has to do with how we make sense of the world around us.  We use our senses to gather information, process the same and respond accordingly. 

This includes vision, auditory (hearing), tactile (touch), Olfactory (smell), Oral (taste, texture of food), vestibular (balance and movement) and propriceptive (position of body in space)Normally we take this for granted.  But sometimes there is either an over or under sensitivity and our body has to work harder to make sense of it. 

Sensory integration deficits can be in varying degrees—and limited to just one area of sensitivity. It can occur withor without other conditions and disablities. 

Sometmes I hear people say, "Oh no, one more thing to work on!"  There is a very good reason to work on your child's sensory integration—because a child trying over run by sensory stimuli
  • is not available for learning 
  • has difficulties in social situations
  • needs more emotional support than otherwise.
Imagine yourself with a severe migraine and sitting in a brightly lit room or walking through a crowded and noisy street.  I know I will want a respite from all that sensory overload. 
 
Typically a developmental occupational therapist will do the evaluation and suggest a 'sensory diet' based on the child's needs.  Here are some links, incase you want to know more...

www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/

http://www.comeunity.com/disability/sensory_integration/

http://www.ldonline.org/article/5612

Ms. S

2 comments:

  1. Dear Ms S

    Thank you very much for sending the links. My daughter always makes a very loud noise even if her siblings touch her slightly but will not care if she has very deep cut in her finger.

    She is selective of her dresses like she likes everything very soft, silky. There are times she insist on wearing some dresses which is very short for her. Does not like to comb her hair at all most of the times. Likes very cold things directly from the fridge. Meal time if we insist to complete it soon she will the whole thing inside her mouth. But there are also days sometimes everything goes very well.

    Once again thank you S for sending me the links.

    Regards
    V

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are welcome V.

    What works for one child may not work for another..so check with an occupational therapist for a sensory program to suit your child's needs.

    ReplyDelete