How Occupational Therapy Can Help with Sensory Processing Difficulties

KARLIE FROSETH, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

Picture this: You're at the grocery store with your child, navigating the bustling aisles and colorful displays. Suddenly, your little one becomes overwhelmed by the bright lights and loud sounds, leading to a meltdown right in the middle of the cereal aisle. As a parent of a child with sensory processing difficulties, moments like these can be challenging and even distressing. As an Occupational Therapist, I’m here to tell you this is neither your nor your child’s fault. But there are ways we can help manage these outbursts through occupational therapy.

Sensory processing refers to the way our nervous system receives and responds to sensory information from the environment. It’s involuntary. For some children, this process can be a bit like a tangled ball of yarn - everything gets jumbled up, making it difficult to make sense of the world around them. This can manifest in various ways, such as hypersensitivity to certain stimuli like loud noises or textures, or hyposensitivity where they seek out intense sensory experiences. We all can be overwhelmed, we just need to tools and education to recognize and respond appropriately.

I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of OT interventions. Through a combination of structured activities, sensory diet planning, and environmental modifications, we work to help children better regulate their sensory experiences and navigate the world with confidence.

One of the key pillars of occupational therapy for sensory processing difficulties is sensory integration therapy. This approach involves engaging children in fun and purposeful activities designed to challenge their sensory systems in a controlled and supportive environment. From swinging on a therapeutic swing to squishing playdough between their fingers, these activities help children learn to process and respond to sensory input more effectively.

In addition to sensory integration therapy, occupational therapists also collaborate with families and educators to create sensory-friendly environments that support the child's needs. Whether it's providing sensory tools like fidget toys or implementing sensory breaks throughout the day, these strategies empower children to thrive in various settings, from the classroom to the playground.

But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my work as an occupational therapist is witnessing the incredible progress and growth that children with sensory processing difficulties can achieve. From mastering self-regulation techniques to participating in activities they once found overwhelming, each milestone is a testament to their resilience and determination. 

So, to all the parents of children with sensory processing difficulties, know that you're not alone on this journey. With the support of occupational therapy, there's hope, there's progress, and most importantly, there's a brighter, more sensory-friendly future ahead.