Sensory Systems
Sensory Systems
Links to a Variety of Sensory Activities Below
Sensory Systems
Every day, all day, we experience a variety of sensory input. Sensory stimulation may be from a touch, a breeze, the temperature of a room, how our clothing feels against our body, the sounds we hear, what we see or smell, or even how our bodies feel at any given time.
Some children are very sensitive to external stimulation, while others do not seem to notice sensory input that causes actual pain or injury. Having a sensory processing system that is not functioning properly makes it difficult to interact and function on a daily basis. When the sensory information cannot be processed and managed effectively a child is unable to properly interpret and understand their surroundings, and even what they are feeling.
Children learn through their exploration of their world. Play is how they explore and learn and grow. Through play a child uses all of their senses (see other pages for sensory systems on the TheraPlay4Kids.com website) into order to explore and learn – they use touch, taste, smell, proprioceptive/movement, vision, body awareness, and so on while they play and interact.
Having a variety of sensory input, sensory experience, and sensory sensation, helps to promote the development and maturation of a child’s sensory systems. When there is a sensory integration processing deficit, normal development of play and exploratory skills are significantly impacted – for those children use of sensory boxes and other organized, planned, sensory integration activities can provide specific stimulation and input under more focused conditions.
As with any sensory activity, never force a child to participate. You may need to present an activity numerous times before they will interact, accept, or tolerate the item or activity. Continue to offer the experiences and activities giving the child some control as to whether or not they will participate. For some children, just being next to and looking at certain items is a start.
Click for Sensory Boxes
Click for Messy Play
Click for Sensory Discovery Play Ideas
Click for Instructions on Making Sensory Items
Click for Pacifier Weaning Tips
Click for Fidgets and how to match your child’s needs
Click for Sensory Slime Recipes
Click for Giant Bubble Recipe
Disclaimer Note: Before beginning any new program, activity, exercise, or make changes, be sure to consult with your child’s doctor, and service providers for individualized guidance, direction, and supervision. These ideas and suggestions presented on TheraPlay4Kids are meant to help support and promote, however, since each child, diagnosis, medical status, and situation is different, one should seek help and approval from your child’s providers in order to achieve the best outcomes and ultimate safety for all involved. Please make use of this site and all the information presented at your own discretion for the safety and well-being of all involved.
Other sensory blogs and suggestions can be found on the site TheraPlay4Kids – Look for them!
Feel free to share – Provided by TheraPlay4Kids.com