Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is how the brain interprets and organizes sensory input from the environment, impacting a child’s ability to interact, learn, and function in daily life. At Chicago Occupational Therapy, we focus on helping children develop the sensory processing skills needed for better attention, coordination, and emotional regulation, empowering them to thrive in everyday activities at home, school, and beyond.
Understanding Sensory Processing: How the Brain Makes Sense of the World
Sensory processing is the brain's ability to interpret and organize sensory input from both the environment and the body. This includes information from the five primary senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—along with the vestibular system (balance and movement) and proprioception (body position awareness). When sensory processing works effectively, it allows children to respond appropriately to their surroundings, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable.
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The Impact of Sensory Processing Skills on Your Child’s Development
Sensory processing skills are essential for a child’s ability to navigate the world, impacting how they interact, learn, and respond to their environment. Strong sensory processing skills help children:
- Regulate Attention and Behavior: By filtering out unnecessary sensory input, children can stay focused, calm, and engaged with the task at hand.
- Improve Motor Coordination and Balance: The body’s vestibular and proprioceptive systems work together to support smooth, controlled movement for both fine and gross motor tasks.
- Enhance Emotional and Social Interactions: With effective sensory processing, children can better regulate their emotions and engage confidently in social activities, building positive relationships with peers.
Mastering sensory processing is key to unlocking a child’s full potential in everyday life.
Recognizing the Signs of Sensory Processing Challenges
Children with sensory processing difficulties may show several noticeable behaviors that affect their daily lives. Common signs include:
- Sensitivity to Sensory Input: Difficulty tolerating loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures like clothing fabrics.
- Avoidance of Sensory Experiences: Resistance to everyday activities like brushing teeth, washing hair, or wearing specific fabrics.
- Seeking Excessive Sensory Input: Constantly moving, spinning, or touching objects in search of extra sensory stimulation.
- Coordination and Balance Issues: Struggles with motor planning, clumsiness, or poor posture due to challenges with balance and body awareness.
Identifying these signs early can help ensure the right support and therapy are provided to improve sensory processing skills.
Boosting Sensory Processing Skills at Chicago Occupational Therapy
At Chicago Occupational Therapy, we empower children to strengthen their sensory processing abilities through personalized, fun, and engaging interventions. Our therapists create a supportive environment where kids can safely explore and regulate sensory input, building the foundation for improved focus and emotional balance. Therapy may include:
- Sensory Integration Activities: Engaging exercises like deep pressure, swinging, and spinning to help children process sensory information more effectively.
- Adaptive Strategies: Practical solutions such as noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or sensory breaks to manage sensitivities.
- Personalized Sensory Plans: Tailored routines of sensory activities integrated into daily life to maintain balance, calmness, and alertness.
Our goal is to help each child gain independence, improve focus, and fully participate in everyday activities, setting them up for long-term success at home, school, and in social settings.
Support Your Child’s Sensory Journey for a Balanced, Confident Life
Our sensory-focused therapy helps children process and respond to the world around them with greater ease. With our compassionate team by your side, we’re here to empower your child’s unique sensory needs every step of the way.
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"I can’t express enough positive things about the wonderful team at CST. The therapist who has worked with my son over the past four years has been a key player in his development and therapeutic journey. They have taught him valuable skills ranging from self-regulation to fine motor tasks and self-care. Additionally, the therapists are prompt, professional, and extremely communicative—always providing feedback and collaborating on solutions for any challenges I present. If I send an email on a Tuesday night, I can expect a response by Wednesday morning. Now that my son is in kindergarten, I attribute much of his independence and success in Chicago Occupational Therapy. Our family will always be grateful for the care and dedication shown throughout this process!"
"The occupational therapists and staff at Chicago Occupational Therapy are remarkable. Our child has experienced significant growth in writing and many other areas since beginning therapy. Teachers have noticed improvements over the summer, and we truly appreciate the dedication and support provided throughout this journey. The therapists are patient, kind, responsive, and supportive, making a meaningful difference in our child's life. Thank you, Chicago Occupational Therapy, for having such exceptional professionals on your team."
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Occupational Therapy Services We Offer
Gross Motor Skills
Our gross motor skills programs focus on developing strength, coordination, and balance through engaging activities that promote physical activity and confidence.
Fine Motor Skills
We enhance fine motor skills through targeted exercises that improve hand strength, dexterity, and coordination for tasks like writing and self-care.
Visual Motor Skills
Our visual motor skills training helps children integrate visual input with movement, supporting their ability to perform tasks that require hand-eye coordination.
Sensory Processing
We provide sensory processing support to help children interpret and respond to sensory information, enabling them to navigate their environments effectively.
Self-Care & Daily Living Skills
Our self-care and daily living skills programs teach children essential routines, fostering independence in activities such as dressing, grooming, and feeding.
Visual Perceptual Skills
We develop visual perceptual skills to enhance children’s ability to understand and interpret visual information, crucial for academic success and daily activities.
School Readiness
Our school readiness programs prepare children for a successful transition to school by focusing on the foundational skills needed for academic and social success.
Handwriting Skills
We help children improve their handwriting skills through personalized strategies that focus on grasp, posture, and letter formation for clear and efficient writing.
Play Skills
Our play skills development sessions encourage children to engage in cooperative and imaginative play, fostering social interactions and emotional regulation.
Executive Function Skills
We enhance executive function skills through targeted strategies that improve planning, organization, and problem-solving abilities, essential for daily life.
Social Skills
Our social skills development programs focus on helping children build positive relationships and effective communication skills through structured practice and guidance.
