Sensory processing is the way our brain sorts out sensory information so we understand the world and can manage our everyday life.
For most children the development of their sensory processing (sometimes called integration) occurs as part of their normal development and they learn to respond appropriately to sounds, smells, touch, taste, sights and movement.
We all have some sensory processing differences. Some of us like very strong tastes and smells and others avoid them. Some people enjoy roller coaster rides whilst others would avoid even a merry-go-round. As long as we can manage to take part in the things we want and need to do these sensory processing differences don’t matter or need support.
Some children’s sensory development is delayed or disordered, and they may struggle to take part in everyday childhood activities. For example, they may be so distressed by noise they can’t go to a friend’s party or they hit out when someone brushes up against them as they experience it as painful.
Parent sensory workshop
Welcome to this Sensory processing workshop.
Most of us know about five senses but there are in fact, eight.
The workshop is divided into three sections:
- Introduction to sensory processing
- The senses
- Strategies
Introduction to sensory processing
The senses
Strategies
The strategies may help your child to engage in their daily activities and routines by doing something differently. As Laura says in the video, you know your child best and by trying out one strategy at a time you will be able to monitor how these have, or have not helped. It takes time for strategies to take effect, and then embedded into our daily routines.
All of us have different levels of comfort and response to sensations from the world around us. This is usual and what makes us unique. The aim of our workshop is to help you to better understand your child’s sensory processing preferences and challenges so that you can support them at home, at school and in the community.
Once you have watched the workshop it is important that you try out strategies and adjustments that you think might help your child. If you think your child might need further support from an occupational therapist you will need to keep a record of the ways you have tried to help your child’s sensory processing over a period of at least three months. This is because it takes time for change to happen and while some strategies might have an immediate impact on your child’s abilities to take part in activities, others might take longer.
Please use the Sensory strategies family record sheet to record your child's progress.
For more information about how sensory processing differences can effect children's eating please go to the Fussy feeders workshop and information.
Please note that our service does not accept referrals for children whose difficulties are solely related to restricted eating as a result of sensory
What next?
For many families the information in the workshops is enough for them to be able to support their child without direct intervention from an occupational therapist.
If after three months of using different strategies, your child is still having difficulties participating in everyday activities because of their sensory processing challenges, you can ask to join an online group session with other parents and an occupational therapist. During this session you will be able to ask any specific questions about your child’s needs and further discuss ways to support them. It is also an opportunity to share and hear ideas from other families.
If you would like to join one of these groups please make this request by emailing your local team (see below) and attach your parent record sheet outlining the strategies that you have tried and the goals you have been working on.
East (Canterbury and Thanet) - kentchft.cteast-admin@nhs.net
West (Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells) - kentchft.ctwkadmin@nhs.net
North (Dartford Gravesend) - kentchft.ctsnorthteam@nhs.net
Remember: You must have tried ideas from the workshops and kept a record of them and their impact for at least three months before making this request. This information will help inform the advice the occupational therapist can offer you and is a requirement of joining the group session.
Please feel free to share this webpage with your child's nursery or school staff who are welcome to join this workshop.
Sensory circuits
Sensory circuits is a program that is most often used in schools to support children get into a ready state for the activities ahead.
This workshop outlines the principles behind the program and shares top tips for setting up and running a successful sensory circuits group.
Many of the activities in the video can be used with individual children at home, school or out and about in the community. Therefore it not only supports
Useful websites and apps
Growing hands on kids
A site with ideas videos and information to support a child’s development. Some useful information videos.
OT Plan
Website with activities to support a child’s development. Choose by skill and activity.
Pinterest
Lots of fun sensory activity ideas for home.
Sensory Smarts
Website related to book ‘Raising a Sensory Smart Child’ – free advice and resources on website.
The Inspired Treehouse
Sensory ideas to help children pay attention.
Strategies according to Sense
Sight is processed through the ‘Visual’ sense. Visual sensory stimuli is ‘picked up’ through visual receptors located in the eye and are stimulated by light, colour and movement.
ARFID Awareness UK
The UK’s only registered charity dedicated to raising awareness and furthering information about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. As a not-for-profit, they work to provide individuals, parents, carers and medical professionals with up-to-date relevant information, research and support.