SENSORY NEEDS OF CHILDREN

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SENSORY NEEDS OF CHILDREN

• SIGHT
• SMELL
• TASTE
• TOUCH
• HEARING

• Senses are important so we can learn about the
  world

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Sensory Function

• Senses
• Determine our likes and dislikes
• Protect us from harm and discomfort

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• TWO OTHER IMPORTANT SENSESBOTH ARE AUTOMATIC
  SENSE RESPONSES

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SENSE OF MOVEMENT (VESTIBULAR SENSE)

• Related to the structures of the inner ear, which
  detect changes in head position
• Eg of use playing on a swing without falling off
• Children with impaired vestibular sense have
  difficulty with experiencs that require them to
  coordinate both sides of the body

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SENSE OF BODY POSITION (PROPRIOCEPTION)

• Information you receive from your muscles to let
  you know where your limbs are, how your fingers
  are positioned, whether you are sitting up or
  lying down.
• EG of use using a pencil, chewing food, riding a
  bike
• Knowing how much force to exert when pouring milk
  or rolling playdough
• Children with impaired proprioception have
  difficulty with manipulation and need specialised
  equipment

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SENSORY DYSFUNCTION

• Can be due to impairment of he sensory receptors
  eg blindness
• Can be due to the central nervous system not
  organising and interpreting correctly

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IDEAS FOR A POSITIVE SENSORY DIET

• Sometimes children require changes to their
  sensory diet.
• It is important an occupational therapist is
  consulted when determining each childs needs
• The following activities can provide calming
  input to children with attention and behavioural
  concerns and you will see many of these
  techniques used when you are on work placement

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PROPRIOCEPTIVE INPUT
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DEEP PRESSURE TOUCH INPUT
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WORKING WITH CHILDREN WHO ARE HYPERSENSITIVE TO
SENSORY INPUT

• Called Tactile and Sensory Defensiveness
• This is a very particular type of a sensory
  processing disorder
• May be accompanied by aggressive and self
  injurious behaviour
• Require input from an occupational therapist

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SOME IDEAS / AREAS TO CREATE
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CHILDREN WITH DIFFICULTY WITH PROPRIOCEPTION OR
ATTENTION
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YOUR TASK

• Discover ways of including the child with an
  additional need in the early childhood setting.
  Using books from the library, the internet and
  discover ways to assist children by modifying
  equipment or buying new resources.