Teaching Children with Sensory Motor Integration Deficits

Teaching Children with Sensory Motor Integration Deficits
Sensory motor integration deficits are fairly common in
both children and adults. The following is a list of tips
for teachers who have children with sensory processing
disorders.

General Strategies

Have the child line up in the back of the line to minimize
physical contact with others.

· Don't have the child wait in line for long periods
of time.

· Permit the child to wear a sweater or jacket
indoors. This may help to relax the child.

· Keep enough space between children so that they
are not close enough to touch each other.

· When sitting on the floor, use markers or masking
tape to define the child's personal space.

· Allow the child to choose where he sits during
story time.

· Don't force a child who is showing fear or
distress to participate in activities.

· Place the child's desk along the side of the room
outside of traffic.

· Orient the child's desk so that he has a good view
of where others are moving.

For Children who Have Sensitivity to Touch

Many children who are sensitive to light touch prefer firm
pressure. This helps to relax them. The following tips
will help them:

· Never touch the child from behind.

· When you do touch the child, approach the child
from the front to give a visual cue that light touch is
coming.

· When touching the child, use firm pressure on the
back or shoulder rather than a gentle touch.

· Seat the child next to quiet calm children.

· Some children are disturbed by the hardness of the
chair.

· Allow the child to sit on a pillow on cushion.

Specific Advice For Children Who Need Extra Sensory Input

Some children need sensory input to help them to stay
focused. Here are some things you can do to help these
children.

· Allow the child to sit on an air cushion pillow
that is slightly filled with air. This allows for movement
without the child leaving his desk.

· Encourage the child to run or climb during recess.

· Give the child tasks requiring sustained
repetitive movements, such as washing the desks or erasing
the blackboard.

· Have these children move heavy objects like
rearranging books or desks.

· Give the child opportunities to move around by
making him your messenger. Let him run notes to other
teacher or to get things the class needs.

· Never discipline the child by taking away recess
privileges or physical education.

Some children do better if they are able to stimulate their
mouths or hands. Here are some things you can do to help
these children.

· Let them keep a water bottle at their desks.

· Let them chew on something like a straw or coffee
stick.

· Let them keep a small squeeze ball in their pocket.

Some Things to Remember

· Children with multiple disabilities often have
sensory motor integration deficits.

· These children may have difficulty with motor
planning and knowing the position of their body in space.

· These children often have poor balance.

· Being in crowded places and situations makes these
children anxious and uncomfortable.

Children with sensory processing disorders experience the
world differently. They may have extreme discomfort or
pain from sensations that other people might find pleasant.
This is a functional disorder. Remember it is not the
child's fault, nor can he control the problem.

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Anthony Kane, MD has been helping parents of ADHD and
Oppositional Defiant Disorder children online since 2003.
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