FAQs
What are fine motor skills?
Fine motor skills can be described as the ability to perform tasks with hands. This includes self-help tasks like writing, dressing, tying shoes, opening containers, using utensils for eating, using scissors, etc. If your child has trouble in doing such basic tasks, you must see an occupational therapist. They assess the skills of the child and figure out the affected areas. After this, they rake suitable actions for improving the child’s ability to perform basic tasks.
What is sensory integration therapy?
It is a therapy used by occupational therapists for children with issues in processing sensory information. A body must be able to organize and perceive sensory information correctly including vision, touch, taste, auditory, smell (olfaction), proprioceptive (positional), and vestibular (movement). Sensory integration therapy can benefit children suffering from autism, sensory perception and discrimination problems, sensory registration problems, gravitational insecurity, vestibular processing disorders, and dyspraxia (difficulty with coordinated and fluid body movements). This therapy can help children participate in basic daily activities. It introduced the children to the sensory activities systematically. That aids them in coping and dealing with the information they are receiving.
My son doesn’t like messy hands. Is that a problem?
A young child can respond negatively to his environment. However, this is not worrisome at all. It should only be taken seriously if these responses start interfering with their daily activities. Also, you should see an occupational therapist or look for occupational therapy near you if the reaction to these events start occurring often and lasts for a long time.
A child with touch or tactile sensory defensiveness can react to certain sensory events like touching messy materials or food with their hands or feet, washing or combing their hair, wearing a hat, sandals, or shoes, clipping nails, wearing clothes, etc. If any of these events is making your child display any negative reaction like crying, it means there is an issue in their sensory system.
How can I help my child prepare for their therapy?
It is normal for a child to feel anxious about their therapy sessions. You, as a parent, can make sure that the child understands why they have to go to therapy and how it is for their betterment. Also, you need to make sure that your child is comfortable with the therapist and the therapy area. Telling your child that there won’t be any needles or any other medical procedure can help them be less anxious.
Should a parent be present at their child’s sessions?
In the initial therapy evaluation, a parent or a legal guardian should be present. This is important because you need to give consent for your child’s treatment. Also, being there will help the therapist communicate their concerns and goals for the child’s treatment. The most important thing that you can do as a parent is to make sure that your child attends every session. You should also have the skills and knowledge required to help your child get the best from the therapy.
Why is sensory integration therapy? Can’t they just improve by practicing?
Most of the parents that bring their children to occupational therapy had already tried everything they could to help their child learn the necessary skills. However, this is the work that requires a professional. It is important to know that practicing cannot help anyone learn some types of learning like motor patterns. No matter how much effort you and your child makes, they won’t be able to do it.
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