Balancing Act: How OT/PT Helps Kids Master Their Movements….and Emotions!

Sensory regulation is a complex process, and for some kids, mastering it can be particularly challenging, affecting everything from their posture to their ability to manage emotions. Sensory processing involves how we perceive and respond to different stimuli around us, typically thought of as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. 

However, two critical but often overlooked components include the vestibular (balance and movement) and proprioceptive (body awareness and positioning) senses. These senses play vital roles in our ability to navigate and interact with our surroundings effectively. When a child has difficulty processing vestibular or proprioceptive sensory information, it can manifest as clumsiness, or an inability to sit still and focus.

Our occupational and physical therapy programs focus on enhancing these lesser-known sensory capabilities. Through targeted activities such as balance exercises, movement-based play, and body awareness drills, children become more attuned to their bodies, allowing them to organize sensory input more efficiently and achieve successful outcomes. Whether it’s managing classroom activities or mastering personal tasks like feeding and potty training, our approach supports children from infancy through school-age challenges.

By broadening the scope of sensory integration therapy to include all senses, particularly the vestibular and proprioceptive, our OT/PT “Beyond the Five Senses” program ensures that every child has the tools they need to succeed in their world. This holistic view not only fosters academic and physical development but also instills a sense of confidence and reassurance in children, promoting a harmonious interaction with the world that surrounds them.