As a parent seeing your child experience sensory challenges can be very hard and distressing. You may observe them getting scared by loud sounds and noises, not liking certain kinds of textures, or finding it tough to concentrate in a busy setting. Such behaviors are confusing for your child and can upset both the kid as well as yourself. However, you are not the only one who is going through this difficult situation. Numerous families encounter similar challenges and there exist beneficial tactics and therapies that can create notable change. Intensive therapy is one such option that gives hope for noticeable progress in kids suffering from sensory processing issues.
So, What Exactly is Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD?
Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD is a condition when the brain finds it difficult to receive, interpret, and organize information that enters through the senses. Some children might be extremely sensitive to various sensory inputs, while others react less than what is expected. Children experiencing SPD could find ordinary stimuli too intense or not respond in a usual manner to sensory details. This condition is very common and often happens with children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other developmental problems.
The Impact of SPD on the Daily Life of Children
Children suffering from SPD have to go through many challenges that hamper their daily life activities. This includes:
- Social Interactions: Children with SPD might struggle with social interactions, avoiding playgrounds, parties, or even simple family gatherings due to sensory overload.
- Academic Performance: Sensory disorder can make it hard for children to focus in school, leading to difficulties with learning and a decrease in their academic performance.
- Routine Activities: Everyday tasks like getting dressed, eating, or brushing teeth can become significant sources of stress and frustration.
All these challenges can lead to a cycle of anxiety and avoidance, further isolating the child from the rest of the world and complicating their overall development process.
What Role Does Intensive Therapy Play for Children?
Intensive therapy offers a concentrated, tailored approach to help children manage their sensory processing issues. This therapy focuses on a personalized approach where therapists will use special tools and activities that are designed to enhance the sensory input to the children’s bodies, allowing them to process and integrate sensory information in a better way.
Here are some key types of Intensive therapy that can be particularly effective:
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Occupational therapists use sensory integration techniques to help children respond more appropriately to sensory stimuli. Activities might include swinging, brushing, or deep-pressure touch, which can help regulate the child’s sensory responses.
- Physical Therapy (PT): Physical therapy can improve gross motor skills and coordination, which are often affected by sensory processing issues. PT can include activities that enhance balance and motor planning.
- Speech Therapy: Speech therapists work on communication skills, which can be impacted by sensory issues. Therapy may include exercises to improve speech clarity and language comprehension.
A Real-Life Success Story
Emily, aged seven, was dealing with extreme sensitivity to sound as well as indications of Cerebral Palsy. Normal sounds such as in a classroom with many students or the noise from a vacuum cleaner were too much for her. Her parents looked for assistance and put her in an intense physiotherapy program.
The program includes various strategies and therapy sessions which she participated in and slowly grasped the techniques that helped her to adapt more easily to the surroundings. This therapy has encouraged her to attend school regularly and participate in social settings with less anxiety.
Role of Parents and Supporters
Parental involvement is crucial in supporting a child with sensory challenges. Here are some ways parents and supporters can help:
- Make home a safe space by minimizing sensory triggers and providing sensory-friendly tools and activities.
- Establish a predictable daily routine to help your child feel secure.
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and coping strategies.
- Learn about SPD and advocate for your child’s needs at school and in other settings.
- Make your child listen to various kinds of sounds and pieces of music to calm down their senses.
The Final Words
Handling sensory issues in children is not easy, but with the right approach, there is a beacon of hope. If your child is suffering from sensory challenges, we recommend you visit Hope AMC. We specialize in offering comprehensive intensive therapy programs in Dubai, designed to meet the unique needs and challenges of each child. Our therapy techniques include Cuevas Medek Exercises which are suitable for infants to any age group, ensuring that they receive the highest level of personalized care and attention.
Book a call to enroll your child in our extensive intensive therapy program now.
