Does your child have a sensory disorder (such as sensory processing disorder)?

If so, know that there are treatment options available to him or her that can provide relief from sensory discomfort. Any child that has received a diagnosis of having a sensory disorder should be given instructions/referrals for therapy from a physician. However, there are activities you as a parent can initiate that can help your child experience sensory integration. Ready to learn?

“Do it yourself” sensory integration for children

As an occupational therapist will tell you, there are activities you can do with your child that can facilitate sensory integration. A few of these activities include:

1. Play Doh Fun — Did you know that playing with play doh can help a child “develop normal tactile functioning?” (Tactile refers to the sense of touch.) If your son or daughter is hesitant to even touch the play doh, that could indicate that the very activity of playing with the doh would be beneficial. Visit the following links to learn how to make play doh (you can also purchase it) and then integrate it into your child’s sensory activities:

– Learn to integrate “messy substances” into your child’s routine — http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/treatment-guidelines.html

– Make your own play doh — http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/play-doh-recipes.html

– Information about tactile defensiveness — http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/tactile-defensiveness.html

2. Move It! — It is vital for a child to experience vestibular input (vestibular refers to the inner ear/physical balance). Why? Because “vestibular movement can either rev you up or calm you down.” A few examples of vestibular movement are swinging on a swing set (http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/swings.html); rocking on toys; and playing on seesaws and teeter totters. Read about more great ideas for vestibular movement at http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-integration-activities.html.

3. Create a “Sensory Room” — How fun would it be for your child to have his or her own “sensory room”? Such a room can work wonders in encouraging relaxation. Think about setting aside a whole room or a section of a room and filling it with positive sensory input. Here are the types of items to be included in a sensory room: fountains; sound machines; pillows; blankets; “lava lamps”; aromatherapy items (such as diffusers); and more.

Note: It is always wise to consult your child’s occupational therapist or neurologist before engaging him or her in any type of sensory integration activity or other type of therapy.

Try these sensory activities with your child to encourage sensory integration.

Does your child have sensory processing disorder, sensory defensiveness, or some other type of sensory condition? If so, we know you want him or her achieve and maintain functionality. The sensory integration activities presented in this post may help you assist your child in this area.

Read more about D. I. Y. sensory activities at http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/949903/how-to-treat-your-childs-sensory-processing-disorder and http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-integration-activities.html.

Image made available by MCA/Mike Allyn on Flickr through Creative Commons License.

*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority.  Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.

Let’s Talk About It

If you could create a sensory room for your child (or yourself), what items would you include?

What sensory activities have been most helpful to your child in the past?