Question 1

What is sensory processing?

Accepted Answer

Sensory processing is the way our nervous system receives, organises and responds to information from our senses.This includes information from the environment as well as from inside our bodies.When sensory processing is difficult, a child may become overwhelmed, seek out certain types of movement or touch, have difficulty staying regulated, or find everyday activities harder than expected.

Question 2

What is Sensory Integration?

Accepted Answer

Sensory Integration is an approach used in occupational therapy to help children whose ability to participate is affected by difficulties processing and responding to sensory information.Therapy may involve carefully selected sensory-motor activities designed around the individual child and their goals.

Question 3

Does every child who struggles with sensory processing need Sensory Integration therapy?

Accepted Answer

No.Sensory processing difficulties can look very different from child to child, and not every child requires the same type of intervention.We first consider what your child is struggling with and how it affects their everyday participation, then determine what type of support may be appropriate.

Question 4

My child is sensitive to noise/touch/movement. Is this a sensory issue?

Accepted Answer

It can be, but there may be different reasons why a child finds certain experiences difficult.Rather than assuming that a particular behaviour is sensory, we look at the broader picture — including when it happens, what triggers it, how your child responds and how it affects their participation.

Question 5

What does Sensory Integration therapy look like?

Accepted Answer

Sensory Integration therapy is often active and play-based. Depending on your child's needs, activities may involve movement, climbing, swinging, balancing, pushing, pulling, jumping or other sensory-motor experiences.The activities are selected with a therapeutic purpose rather than simply being play.

FAQ

Questions? We’ve got answers.

Occupational Therapy, explained.

What happens in OT?

What is paediatric occupational therapy?

What does an occupational therapist actually do?

What age children do you work with?

How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?

What kinds of difficulties can occupational therapy help with?

Will my child have to do exercises they don't enjoy?

What does a typical therapy session look like?

How often will my child need therapy?

How long will my child need occupational therapy?

Will you give us things to practise at home?

Will you work with my child's teacher?

What if my child doesn't want to come to therapy?

Assessments and screenings

Sensory integration

Does my child need an assessment before starting therapy?

What happens during an occupational therapy assessment?

How long does an assessment take?

What is a developmental screening?

Does an assessment mean my child will need therapy?

Can you assess my child for school readiness?

What is sensory processing?

What is Sensory Integration?

Does every child who struggles with sensory processing need Sensory Integration therapy?

My child is sensitive to noise/touch/movement. Is this a sensory issue?

What does Sensory Integration therapy look like?

School & home

Can occupational therapy help with school difficulties?

Do you provide school-based occupational therapy?

Can you give my child's teacher strategies to use in the classroom?

Can you give us activities to do at home?

My child manages at home but struggles at school. Could OT still help?

Have a lefty? We've got you.

Should I encourage my child to use their right hand instead?

My child still swaps hands. Should I be worried?

Do you only work with left-handed children?

Why does my left-handed child struggle with handwriting?

Why does my left-handed child hook their wrist when writing?

Do left-handed children need special scissors?

Does my left-handed child need special handwriting paper?

How can I support my left-handed child at home?

Where are you based?

How do I book an appointment?

What should I bring to my child's first appointment?

Do you work with other professionals?

Do you accept medical aid?

What if I'm not sure whether occupational therapy is right for my child?

Can I contact you just to ask a question?

Practical questions

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Questions?
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