Sensory Processing

Sensory processing challenges can be difficult to navigate as a parent or caregiver. Whether your child is hypersensitive to sound or averse to certain foods and textures, certified pediatric occupational therapist Yulene Broussard, MS, OTR/L, can help at Yulene Developmental Consulting in Sugar Land, Texas. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online for the one-on-one care your child deserves.

What is sensory processing?

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information. Sensory information includes what you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. 

Some children have difficulties processing and integrating sensory information into their movements and behaviors. They may feel overloaded, overwhelmed, or hypersensitive to sounds, clothing, food, and touch. 

Addressing sensory processing difficulties is essential, as this system allows children to understand their surroundings, interact with others, and perform daily tasks. It also supports healthy behavior regulation and encourages children to adapt to environmental changes.

What behaviors can sensory processing issues cause?

Sensory processing issues can cause a range of behaviors and concerns in children, including:

• Visual and movement hypersensitivity
• Sound hypersensitivity
• Clothing and texture sensitivities
• Food aversions
• Touch hypersensitivity
• Vestibular (balance and spatial orientation) hypersensitivity

Recognizing these behaviors and addressing the underlying sensory processing issues can improve your child’s daily functioning and overall well-being.

What are the most effective strategies for sensory processing issues?

Children with sensory processing issues require individualized approaches to their activities at home and school that suit their specific needs. Yulene Developmental Consulting can incorporate several effective strategies into your child’s therapeutic plan, including:

Occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach

This therapeutic approach uses engaging activities to help children build appropriate responses to sensations so they can participate in childhood activities at home and school.

The STAR Model

The STAR Model is a family-centered approach to care focusing on engagement, interpersonal relationships, and regulating sensory arousal. This intensive program requires active participation from parents and caregivers and helps children with sensory processing issues learn in ways adapted to how they process information.

Listening therapy

Listening therapy, like Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI), involves listening to specific music or sounds to help children process sensory information.

DIR/Floortime®

This approach involves engaging children in play activities tailored to their specific sensory needs and helping them build social-emotional connections through play.

If your child has sensory processing issues, partnering with an experienced pediatric occupational therapist can make all the difference in their care. Call Yulene Developmental Consulting today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.