How Does Occupational Therapy Improve Sensory Processing?

Jun 12

There are some things in life you love and others you can’t stand. For example, you may love coffee and dislike sparkling water. In most cases, if someone handed you a drink you don’t enjoy, what would you do? You’d probably say, “No, thank you.” But what if the things that you dislike made you anxious or caused you pain? What if experiencing a specific type of sensory input overrode rational thought and made you feel like you had to run away? That’s what it’s like for many children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

If your child struggles with certain sounds, textures, movement, or other stimuli (things in the environment that they experience using their senses), you should bring them to Metro Therapy. We provide pediatric occupational therapy, an effective treatment that helps improve a child's ability to handle the different sensations they encounter during daily activities. With the guidance of our expert therapists, your child can learn to manage their SPD symptoms and gain greater independence in their daily life.

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition that affects the way a person experiences and responds to the information they get from their senses. A child with SPD can either be overwhelmed or underwhelmed by things they see, hear, touch, smell, or taste. The reactions they experience from sensory input can be so extreme that they interfere with a child’s daily activities and ability to socialize with others.

There are two different types of SPD:

Hypersensitive children avoid sensory input. They get overwhelmed easily and try to stay away from the things that give them an unwanted reaction.
Hyposensitive children seek out sensory input. They have a lower-than-average level of sensitivity to their sensory input, so they try to experience as many sensations as they can.

Signs Your Child Struggles with Sensory Processing

Sensory processing struggles can cause children to experience a range of developmental problems. The symptoms you might notice with your child will depend on whether they are hypersensitive (sensory avoiding) or hyposensitive (sensory seeking). Identifying sensory processing issues early on and working with an occupational therapist can help your child build coping mechanisms and develop the necessary skills to overcome their challenges.

Symptoms of Hypersensitivity

Some of the signs that your child may be struggling with hypersensitivity to sensory input include:

Avoiding touch
Being bothered by sounds or lights
Having difficulty with balance or coordination
Avoiding crowds or noisy places
Refusing to wear certain clothing
Refusing to try new foods
Crying or getting angry when exposed to sensory input

Symptoms of Hyposensitivity

Some of the signs that your child may be struggling with hyposensitivity to sensory input include:

Constantly needing to move
Playing roughly with others
Having a high pain tolerance
Getting distracted easily
Feeling anxious
Struggling with balance and coordination
Preferring very spicy, bitter, or sour foods
Being unaffected by extreme cold or heat
Making loud noises often

How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

The difficulties that children with SPD face affect their daily life. Avoiding or seeking out sensory input can lead to challenges with getting dressed in the morning, eating healthy foods, socializing with friends, and participating in school. Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in helping children overcome these challenges. In the same way that you need to practice to be able to do things like ride a bike, drive a car, or paint a picture, children with SPD need a safe place to practice engaging with different sensory stimuli. This is called sensory integration therapy.

Occupational therapists use a variety of techniques, such as sensory integration therapy, to help children with SPD better manage their sensory input and respond appropriately to their environment. Therapy sessions may also involve play-based activities, learning healthier coping mechanisms, and exercises that target your child’s unique sensory needs. Ultimately, occupational therapy can be a powerful tool in empowering children with sensory processing disorder to achieve their full potential, both in the classroom and beyond.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

Occupational therapy offers incredible benefits for children with SPD. Using a variety of techniques tailored to each child’s needs, our occupational therapists help children learn to process and respond to stimuli more effectively. With routine occupational therapy, your child can improve their:

Motor skills
Attention span
Coping mechanisms
Grades in school
Confidence
Independence
Friendships
Peace of mind

Schedule Your Free Screening

Occupational therapy can be life changing for children struggling with SPD. If you think your child may be struggling with SPD, reach out to Metro Therapy at (763) 450-9400 for a free pediatric therapy screening. If treatment is recommended, our occupational therapists will create a treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific needs to help them overcome the challenges of SPD and be the very best that they can be.