Are your child’s behaviors disrupting your home life or daily schedule? Have you tried every suggestion from friends or family, and nothing is working?

 

It is possible your child may have a sensory processing disorder. Children who have sensory processing disorders can display behaviors that appear as temper tantrums, emotional outbursts, or unexpected actions such as running away. These behaviors are the reaction a child is having to their environment and are unable to express what they are feeling. Raising children can be overwhelming for any caregiver and it is important to seek help when needed.

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​Occupational therapists are trained to determine if a child's behavior is due to being over-responsive or under-responsive to sensory stimuli. They work with caregivers on strategies to help the child regulate their emotions when the child feels overstimulated in their environment.

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​Over-responsive means that they are quick to notice information received from their senses or are highly aware of their senses. A little might seem like a lot to a child that is over-responsive. Under-responsive means that they do not notice, or process the information received from their senses. They often seek extra sensory input, or they might need support to register sensory input. It is important to note that children can present differently. Some can be over-responsive to touch and avoid wearing tight clothes, but they might also be under-responsive to movement and appear to be always on the go.

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Consultation services focus primarily on assisting caregivers in their home to help meet their needs and the needs of their child. During a consultation a Sensory Profile Questionnaire will be completed to provide more information to determine the child's sensory needs. The child will also be observed in their natural environment; at home or in school and a plan will be created between the caregiver and occupational therapist. 

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The plan may consist of:

•  Creating a structured home schedule and visual aids to help the child follow the schedule

•  Educating caregivers on different strategies and techniques to help their child process sensory input 

•  Creating a sensory space in the home to give the child a calm and safe space for sensory breaks

•  Creating a Sensory Diet by developing sensory activities to be done daily

•  Suggestions on what equipment can be purchased

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​If you believe your child has a sensory processing disorder, we would like to help. Here at Blooming Tree Pediatric Occupational Therapy, we don't believe children behave badly on purpose, we know there is always an underline reason for the behavior. We thrive on discovering what your child's sensory needs are and provide strategies that help them to be successful in their daily life.

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