Efficient sensory processing is the foundation for higher level skills like balance, fine and gross motor skills as well as the development of academic, behavioral and self-care skills. Thus, without proficient sensory processing skills, more complex skills are difficult to attain.

What is sensory processing?

Sensory processing is the ability of the nervous system to register input from our senses, interpret the information and form a motor response. The senses of the body include sight, touch, hearing,taste, smell, body awareness and balance.

Why is sensory processing important?

The ability to process the information that our bodies receive from the world around us is important for physical and cognitive development. Children need to be able to receive sensory messages and organize the information in order to form an appropriate behavioral or physical response.Children who have trouble processing sensory information may exhibit problems with academic skills, motor skills, behavior, organizational skills, attention span, etc. making it difficult to function at school and/or at home.

How can you help a child develop sensory processing skills?

Children learn through experience. Try to create optimal play experiences for children by offering a variety of activities to explore and stimulate the sensory systems. Remember to keep it fun and motivational. Here are some examples:

• tactile activities such as play dough, sand or water play
• movement activities on the playground, crawling through tunnels, participating in sports, etc.
• activities that encourage body awareness such as obstacle courses where the child has to go up, over, in between, through, etc.
• physical activity where the child has to move through space such as using ride on toys, scooters, swings, rolling down a hill, etc.
• activities that provide heavy work to the joints and muscles such as pushing, pulling, lifting, squeezing, jumping and bouncing
• experiences with different smells, sights and sounds

All of us have some form of sensory preferences. For example, some people prefer music in the background when trying to fall asleep and some prefer quiet. Try to recognize a child’s sensory preferences and modify the environment around the child if necessary. Ask an occupational or physical therapist if you have questions about the most appropriate activities for a specific child.

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