Importance Of Sensory Assessments

In terms of sensory issues, if a child is experiencing sensory issues, a Sensory Assessment can be carried out by an Occupational Therapist (OT) in order to determine what their sensory issues are.

For example, some children are seeking certain types of sensory input, while other children are avoiding certain types of sensory input – A child can be both seeking certain types of sensory input, while avoiding other types.

In terms of children that are seeking sensory input, Behaviour Analysts advise that, it is important that a child gets the sensory input that they are seeking. This helps the child to regulate themselves, which in turn makes it more like they will present with more positive child behaviour. Studies in the field of Behaviour Analysis show that, when a child is regulated, they are better at managing anger, there should be less tantrums, & there is also more likely going to be a reduction in other behaviour challenges as well.

Behaviour Therapists highlight the importance of when parenting, for parents to help to minimise sensory input that their child finds aversive, as this can lead to overstimulation, overwhelm, etc., which can in turn lead to agitation, frustration, & in some cases meltdowns.

The Sensory Assessment Will Help Highlight To Parents:

What Sensory Input Their Child Is Avoiding
For Example:
– Not liking their hands getting dirty or their sleeves getting wet.
– Not liking loud music.
– Not liking certain textures of materials/clothes/food, etc.
– Experiencing sensory overload in busy or noisy or crowded environments.
– Etc.

What Sensory Input The Child Is Seeking
For Example:
– Liking having lots of room in free open spaces where they can walk, run, cycle, etc.
– Enjoying indoor soft-play areas where they can slide, jump, climb, etc.
– Liking cuddles.
– Liking sensory rooms, with bean bags, lava lamps, sensory toys, etc.
– Liking playing with water, sand, etc.
– Liking weighted blankets, tents, cuddly toys, etc.

The OT will then draw up a Sensory Profile for the child, which will advise on how best the parents can enable their child to get the sensory input they are seeking, & the OT will also advise of adaptations the parent can make in order to help minimise the sensory input that their child finds aversive.

Child Therapists underline that a parent knowing & understanding their child’s sensory issues, can massively improve their child’s day-to-day quality of life & make things much easier for their child, as it allows them to self-regulate a lot better.

When parents account for their child’s sensory issues, & put appropriate measures in place to help them with this, this then allows for parents to focus on other behaviours their child may be presenting with, that is not sensory related, for e.g., working on addressing sibling rivalry, or attention-seeking behaviours, etc.


To Book An In-Person Consultation In County Donegal, Or A Zoom Appointment Anywhere Across Ireland Or Further Afield To Get Help Managing Your Child’s Behaviour:

Call: 00353 89 451 1432
Or
E-mail: thechildbehaviourconsultancy@outlook.ie

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