Page 14 - Microsoft Word - Sensory Issues Script with Section Headings 12-11-14

is unable to follow simple directions, such as “Come to me,” she may have trouble learning via
an auditory lens. Is she able to get into the crawling position? Is Molly having trouble with her
sense of gravity (vestibular and proprioception)? Does she show an aversion to texture and
temperature? If Molly is averse to cold, she may not attempt to crawl on a cold floor. Or, if she is
tactile defensive, she may not attempt to crawl on a rough carpet.

Does Molly present a sensory pattern? After observing and documenting Molly’s needs and
strengths and connecting with Molly’s parents and IFSP team, it is important to identify a
sensory pattern. If it seems Molly does not like a cold floor but prefers to play on soft carpet,
perhaps it would be important to address her crawling skills when she is comfortable on the
carpet!

Another example of a possible pattern could be Molly’s inability to judge her body’s position
and coordinate her movements. For instance, imagine Molly trying to reach for toys but it
always seems she reaches too far to the right. How frustrating for her! However, it is a great
clue for you! Talk to her parents and IFSP team and see if this is a pattern they see as well. It
could be an issue with her proprioception and vestibular senses. To meet these needs, you can
make sure Molly’s environment enables and encourages her to play with several different types
of toys. It is especially important for Molly to have a chance to play with toys that can roll, be
pushed or pulled, or move in other ways. Additionally, you want to be able to have Molly play
in variety of positions. These may include tummy time, sitting, rolling, and standing.

A therapist can help you create a plan that addresses these senses and Molly’s needs. Document
your observations, actions, and Molly’s reactions to continue to meet her needs as she grows.

It is exciting to see children in our care grow and develop. It is even more exciting to know that
your hard work and commitment has made a positive impact. Sensory processing is important to
all children and should be addressed in a mindful and respectful manner. It is imperative to offer
all children a safe sensory appropriate environment that concentrates on all the senses.
Caregivers should observe the children in their care to continue to meet their sensory needs.
Additionally, in order to keep making positive impacts with children with sensory processing
issues, we must always be moving forward. Consequently, we must take the time to learn from
the individual child, the parents, the IFSP team, and any other available support systems to create
an appropriate, individualized sensory plan. Moreover, caregivers, parents, and the IFSP teams
should review the documentation and action plan periodically. Different sensory needs should
be added (or subtracted) as required by the child’s development. And perhaps most importantly,
caregivers and parents alike should continue to learn about sensory processing and work together
to provide high quality caregiving that meets the child’s individual sensory needs. Remember,
meeting the individual needs of each child is a prerequisite for high quality care – it is the right
strategy for all children in your care!

Conclusion

In this course, we explored how sensory integration issues can affect the development of the
infants and toddlers in your care. We began by identifying the various human senses, focusing
specifically on how these senses can positively affect a child’s development. We defined some

14