Did you know that sensory integration development begins in utero and continues throughout the early years of a child’s life? You will frequently find the term ‘early intervention’ when searching through child development articles but what does this mean? According to the Early Intervention Foundation (https://www.eif.org.uk/) effective early intervention prevents difficulties occurring, or addressing these difficulties, which promotes a child to foster personal strengths and skills that prepare them for adult life. Early intervention aims to promote effective physical, cognitive, behavioural, social and emotional development.
Which babies/children may be at risk?
It is vital and recommended that children at risk be closely monitored and assessed. The following children may be at risk:
- Babies born prematurely or with a low birth weight
- Babies admitted to NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
- Babies/children diagnosed with medical or genetic conditions
- Fussy/Colicky babies
- Babies that lack response to caregivers
- Babies with delayed milestones
How do I determine if my baby has sensory difficulties:
- He/she may take a long time to respond
- He/she may appear sleepy and lethargic
- Crying frequently and difficult to soothe (in the absence of a medical condition)
- Presenting with signs of overstimulation (hand splaying, placing hands over eyes, back arching, moaning.crying).
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty eating
- Difficulty self-soothing
- Delayed milestones
- Not performing milestones with the correct fluidity and expertise expected for a child of their age (e.g. only rolling to one side).
How do I help my child to regulate:
- Environment: Be mindful of the environment where your child is. Bright colours and artificial lighting are alerting, therefore, move to a neutral, natural environment (outside works well). Provide calming light such as a lava lamp or night light.
- Co-regulation: Babies are still very dependent on using a caregiver to regulate. Use your tone of voice, deep pressure (holding your child tightly, placing a warm blanket around them) and rhythmic movement (gentle rocking).
- Oral proprioceptive input: Provide your child with an age-appropriate object to chew or suck on (dummy, bottle, breastfeeding, placing their hands near their mouth).
- Baby massage: This is a wonderful idea to implement (if you have undergone training in this). Alternatively swaddle your child.
What if this does not work:
- It is recommended that if the above steps do not work seek assistance from a Sensory Integration Occupational Therapist or alternatively speak to your pediatrician for assistance.
- During an OT consultation an in-depth history will be performed, followed by an assessment where a sensory diet (what sensory input your child needs) will be provided. Therapy will be given if necessary.
Remember, “It takes a village to raise a child” and a parent/caregiver’s instinct should always be trusted.
Written by Ashley Brecher (Jones), Bright Eyes Therapy.
For more information you are welcome to contact us on 0836161662
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