Sometimes it happens that we, as parents, do not notice anything disturbing about the child's behavior. We often get the first signs that our child may have some difficulties from kindergarten teachers.

What can worry teachers?

- excessive mobility of the child, frequent changes of activity, difficulty in focusing on the task, even for a short time

- difficulties in social relations, sticking to the side of the group

- reluctance to touch various textures, play with sand, use glue, play with plasticine or paint with paints

- the clumsiness of the child, frequent falling over, bumping into objects and people - ear plugs, hiding

- excessive tearfulness, not related to separation from the parent Of course, there may be many more disturbing signals.

The above list is the most frequently reported difficulties in the context of sensory integration disorders. If the parent receives a signal from the teacher that some behavior of the child is disturbing, it is worth considering which specialist to go to to help the child - teachers often suggest visiting a psychologist or psychological and pedagogical counseling center. In the case of the difficulties described above, the first step should be to make an appointment with the child for a diagnosis of sensory integration. We can make such a diagnosis in a public psychological and pedagogical counseling center, but I know from experience that the dates, especially in large cities, are quite distant.

Most people, due to the fact that time is of great importance in the case of sensory integration therapy, decide to diagnose in non-public institutions.

The diagnosis of the development of sensory integration processes usually consists of 3 approximately one-hour meetings: At the first meeting, the therapist conducts a very detailed interview with the parent concerning, inter alia, pregnancy, childbirth, child's motor development, their sensory preferences, and the remaining time is spent on observing the child's reaction to sensory stimuli and carrying out research tests, and in the case of children after 4 years of age, also tests The second meeting is time devoted exclusively to the child - the therapist continues to carry out trials and tests, checks min. reaction to touch, sounds, smells. The third meeting takes place with the parents only - the therapist discusses the results of the diagnosis, presents a therapy plan and recommendations to be implemented at home. It should be remembered that a reliable diagnosis is the basis for starting sensory integration therapy. Therapy should not be carried out without prior diagnosis of the child. The therapy usually takes place once a week and lasts from 45 to 60 minutes. Sensory integration therapy is a long-term therapy and its average duration is from one to about two years, while the first effects should be expected after just a few months. However, it is important to consult specialists if anything in the child's behavior worries us. The sooner we start therapy, the better.

 

Anna Chacińska special educator,

specialist in sensory integration