Sensory Integration treatment was developed to help children who present with problems in motor, cognitive, and social/emotional development that are related to sensory processing.  It focuses on processing and integrating sensory information and its impact on skill development.  As CranioSacral therapists it is very beneficial to be aware of the signs of sensory integration difficulties during a treatment session and to make efforts to increase the child’s comfort level.

Signs of sensory difficulties that may be encountered in the treatment room: The child………

•  becomes easily upset and once upset has difficulty recovering
•  may need to feel in control of people, objects and experiences because he/she is having difficulty controlling him/herself
•  is distressed by changes in routine, changes in position, loud noises or crowded settings
•  misinterprets a casual or unexpected touch as a life-threatening blow
•  reacts negatively or emotionally to the anticipation of being touched
• strongly dislikes being touched on the face or head
• is unable to identify which body part is being touched without looking
• uses his/her mouth to investigate objects later than the appropriate age
• prefers sitting or standing to laying down to keep visual control of his/her surroundings
• exhibits behaviours that seem willful or difficult when it may be a reaction to being touched

The following are some ideas for approaches which may help the sensory sensitive child respond more positively to CranioSacral or other light touch therapies:

• find out from the parents what approaches calms the child
• give the child choices about the session: ” I know you don’t want me to touch your head, where can I put my hand to start.”
• develop rapport before beginning to touch.  Tell them what’s coming, let them see what’s coming.
• allow soothing and comforting tactile experiences (unique to each child such as cuddly stuffed toys, fuzzy blankets, smooth objects)
• allow the child to hold something in his/her hands
• provide play dough, thera-putty, thera-band, or tubing to provide resistance to large muscle groups
• place a heavy pillow, bean bag or heavy soft toy on the abdomen or legs to provide calming input
• heavy proprioceptive input such as a hug from the parent or bundling in a blanket
• provide toys for chewing or blowing to calm the nervous system through the mouth
• use vibrating toys for those who calm with this sensory input
• adapt your treatment to sitting or standing beside the table for those with gravitational insecurity.  Do not lay onto the treatment table too quickly.  Treat on the floor, under the table or with a blanket over the table.
• use dim, indirect lighting and subdued colours in the treatment room
• take  breaks to allow the child to calm themselves before arousal reaches the “point of no return”

Each child is unique and each session is unique depending on the time of day, hunger level, fatigue, and what was happening just before the appointment.  Flexibility is key when working with children.  Ideally, you can communicate with the Occupational Therapist treating the child who is able to provide Sensory Integration Therapy.

Copyright 2008.  Brenda Rosenberg  All rights reserved.