Sensory Motor Solutions for Learning

Try implementing a combination of these strategies to minimize frustration
and enhance learning.
A. Try changing the task
- Substitute another task more appropriate for the child's sensory
tolerance, motor skills, or perceptual readiness. (i.e a child with fine
motor problems could cut and paste a picture for the front of a book report,
rather than drawing it)
- Break down the task into more simplified steps that are achievable by the
child. (i.e. give out only materials
for one step at a time)
- Alter the intrinsic qualities of the task, such as the size, orientation,
color, smell, motor demands, etc. (i.e. try using a larger piece of paper,
or lined paper with larger spaces between the
lines)
B. Try changing the instructions
- Provide different types of directions more appropriate for the child's
sensory needs. (i.e. give instructions one step at a time)
- Offer different cues or support to assist the child in accomplishing the
steps. (i.e. try using visual cues, magazine pictures,
or a written list of steps in order)
C. Try Changing the Child
- Use sensory diet items to alter the child's ability to tolerate or make
meaningful use of the instructions. (i.e. speak with an Occupational
Therapist for specific suggestions, or call us for a list of sensory diet
items appropriate for your child.)
- Change the position in which the child accomplishes the task. (i.e.
use a rocking chair, bean bag chair, or the floor to work on the task)
D. Try changing the materials
- Substitute different materials to
increase the child's ability to accomplish the task. (i.e. try using jumbo
crayons, fat handled paint brushes, loop scissors)
- Add or reduce sensory qualities of existing materials. (i.e. try adding or
taking away resistance created by tools. Flair tipped pens have least
resistance, crayons have the most)
E. Try changing the environment
- Alter physical properties of the environment such as lighting, sounds,
temperature, and traffic around the
child.
- Change the location in the environment where the child is working on a
particular task.
For more information on solutions for sensory motor learning problems call
us, and ask to speak with an Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapists
work with children who have sensory motor learning problems. Occupational
Therapy can help children with sensory motor issues process sensory information
more efficiently
We are a multidisciplinary pediatric facility. We specialize
in providing treatment to children who are challenged by the developmental
demands of home, school, or social environments. Our team of therapists join
together in a unique method of care that helps to mobilize resources to meet the
needs of our clients and their families.
The majority of the children seen at at our facility have
some sort of developmental delay. This means that they may have mild to moderate
delays that impact development of gross motor, fine motor, language, visual
perceptual, sensory-integrative, and/or social-emotional development. As a group
the children tend to have a great deal of difficulty with motor skills,
organizing tasks in a logical fashion, sticking with their plans, following
instructions, and interpreting the details of pictures or symbols associated
with instructions.
We offer many different programs to meet your child's
developmental and cognitive needs:
Sensory Integration Testing
Sensory Integration Treatment
Occupational Therapy Evaluation
Therapeutic Exercises
Computer Assisted Treatment
Hand Function Assessment
Fine Motor Skill Development
Visual Perceptual Evaluation
Perceptual Motor Development
Upper Body Strengthening
Developmental Stimulation
Teacher Consultation
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without permission in writing from Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc 309 Holly
Lane, Mankato, Mn 56001 or Dove Ministries for Children · 3305 Jerusalem Avenue
· Wantagh, NY 11793
. . .offering
medically-based physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language
therapy services in a "kid friendly" environment