Meeting Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Introduction
We all rely on sensory information to function and participate in everyday activities. Most of us instinctively respond to the challenges in daily life, our brain and nervous system (senses) help us to respond quickly, and appropriately to keep our selves safe and comfortable. However, we do not all experience sensation in the same way. Some will demonstrate strong sensory preferences, seeking a sensation as it is pleasing and satisfying whilst others may avoid activities as the sensory experience overwhelms.
Occupational therapists are skilled professionals who are able to assess and assist children & young people with sensory difficulties (RCOT, 2021).
Our digital sensory resources have been developed to support parents, carers and education staff to develop their understanding of sensory integration, which will enable a more responsive approach to meeting a child’s sensory needs.
The NHS Borders Children & Young Peoples Occupational Therapy Service, offer a needs led service. Occupational Therapists may use sensory theory to form part of their functional assessment. We do not screen for sensory needs or deficits where there are no known functional participation difficulties.
Our Resources
This section can be used to support your understanding of sensory processing and the impact it may have on a child's participation in everyday activities.
We have resources for parents/carers, education staff and other professionals. The topics covered include - Sensory Development, Parent Mini Series, Teens, Education Mini Series, Activities of Daily Living and Thinking Beyond Sensory.
- We strongly recommend that you begin by watching the What Is Sensory Integration Mini Series, which includes videos on - What is Sensory Integration, Modulation and Self Regulation, Tigger Zone, Eeyore Zone and Meeting Your Child's Sensory Needs. These videos will provide the foundation for understanding and supporting your child. It will also help you to better understand the other resources shared on our website.
- There are a wide range of resources and strategies to try. We recommend that you do not try to change lots of things at once. Choose what is a priority for you and your family. Implement strategies and changes gradually. This will make it easier for you to work out what is going to be helpful for your child, as well as being more manageable for you as a family.
- Not all of the resources may be relevant for your child, depending on their age or developmental stage. Some resources may be relevant to you now, but some may provide you with ideas that will be more helpful in future, as your child gets older.
Further Resources
Kids Scotland Sensory Questionnaire - Joining in with Sensory Differences | NHS GGC
Thinking about your child's sensory needs - Making Sense of Sensory Behaviours (Falkirk Council)
Thinking about your own (parent/carer) sensory needs - Making Sense of Your Sensory Behaviour (Falkirk Council)
Towards a Better Understanding of Sensory Approaches; (RCOT)