When your child first starts his journey at a reputable sensory processing therapy in Singapore, it is a sigh of relief, knowing that he is receiving the help he needs. Much as the occupational therapist will do everything possible to help your child manage his responses to sensory stimulation, there is so much you can do at home to complement the professional sessions.
There are several activities recommended for sensory integration therapy Singapore that you can also use at home. However, before deciding which activities are more suitable, you need to understand your child’s sensory processing shortcomings and which activities are most suitable.
Does your child crave sensory stimulation? Is he under or over-responsive to sensory stimulation? These sensory processing disorders influence your child’s reaction to various stimulations and environments.
Your child’s reaction limits his ability to be in particular environments, making it difficult for you to take your child with you to places that children usually enjoy. Fortunately, these sensory processing therapy activities will help your child find a balance in his reactions to sensory stimuli.
Create a sensory corner
Your child may be struggling to find his space in the house, especially if everything seems so wrong for him. For example, you may prefer a specific light or fabric for your seats, but your child may be uncomfortable.
Creating a sensory corner for your child means you deliberately provide the right stimulation for an under-responsive child, a safe retreat if your child is over-responsive, or a sensory-rich environment if he craves sensory stimulation.
When creating a sensory corner, you need to note items your child reaches out to for comfort. Additionally, you can ask the therapist carrying out the sensory processing therapy for ideas of items you should place in this corner. For example, you may choose to place an aquarium or headphones in the corner, depending on your child’s preference and your budget.
Introduce activities to improve motor development
If your child has weak muscles and joints, leaving him to sit in front of the televising every day is not helpful. You need to come up with a fun activity that will keep your child occupied, and at the same time, help the child “feel” his muscles and joints. This will help your child’s brain to integrate sensory information and send the right response.
Fortunately, children often crave movement. This is why sensory integration therapy Singapore recommends activities, such as pushing a trolley, working in the garden, or sweeping the yard. Alternatively, you can introduce play that requires vigorous body movements. For example, climbing on playground equipment like slides, as well as jumping on the trampoline.
You can also allow your child to freely play with mud, sand, bubbles, and water. You can also involve your child when kneading dough. These activities are fun, challenging and sensory-stimulating.
Suggest play games with food
Taste is one of the senses that children with sensory processing disorder struggle with. For example, most children enjoy ice cream, but children with this disorder may find it too sweet or even disgusting. In some cases, a child may be hesitant to try a meal because they don’t like how it looks.
You can make eating food fun and playful by guessing the different flavours. This may encourage your child to attempt to taste foods that he would usually avoid. This is a great way of introducing new flavours and foods to your child.
Sensory processing therapy should continue at home, even after sessions with a therapist. This creates a routine that the child can develop even when at home. However, these home activities complement the work of the professional. Your child still needs the therapist’s guidance, so you should find activities that will help your child find a balance in his sensory responses.