Sensing a Problem: How Sensory Integration Can Improve Problem Solving

Could your child’s difficulty with problem solving be the result of sensory dysregulation?

When most people think of problem solving, they imagine complex puzzles or math problems, but problem solving is a vital skill we use everyday.

For example, you probably find yourself looking for things you need before leaving for the day, trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B, or working to solve arguments with friends or coworkers.

These are just a few examples of the problems we take on each and every day.

If your child can’t navigate how to solve these common problems in simple, logical ways, it may not necessarily be the result of ADHD or a developmental delay. It may come as a shock, but these gaps in reasoning could be the result of sensory processing issues.

If your child is looking for their shoes in the pantry or grabbing the wrong materials for your arts and crafts project, they may simply be distracted by overwhelming or underwhelming sensory input that takes their attention away from the task at hand and focuses it on the physical sensations they’re experiencing.

Think about the last time you had a cold. You probably felt “out of it” and forgetful. What some people would quickly write off as absentmindedness can actually be the result of similar daily discomfort.

Perhaps one of the most harmful results of this difficulty problem solving is that kids who struggle to solve problems tend not to ask for assistance, so they don’t get a helping hand when they need it most. 

OTs are trained to find and address the sensory causes responsible for these problems.

Here at Theraplay, we use a two step approach: we work on movement and sensory processing at the same time to make sure your child is getting the most out of each and every session.

Our approach aims to work on your child’s skills from the ground up, with progress in lower level processing allowing for huge gains in more complex brain functions.

Looking to figure out if your child could benefit from our services? Book a free discovery call with us!