Thinking About Sensory Interests May Help with Speech and Language Therapy

Many SLPs have had opportunities to work with children with a variety of developmental deficits and disorders related to speech and language or a related area.  Sometimes the other areas of need are readily apparent; sometimes not.  Pediatric therapy sessions often involve finding what is motivating to the child and capitalizing on the child's interests to increase motivation and, in turn, optimize the child's active participation in therapy.  To maximize the frequency and quality of opportunities for the child to achieve his or her goals, the SLP must identify and use toys, games, or activities that captivate and maintain the child's interest.  Though finding a motivating toy, game, or activity may seem pretty straightforward, many who work with children know that this is not always the case.

not everyone is the same

Sometimes, the children we see for therapy may present with challenging behaviors or interests to which we are unaccustomed.  In addition, what we may see as interesting, potentially motivating, or rewarding may hold no interest for some children.  In these instances, we are presented with a seemingly insurmountable challenge.  Through experience, some SLPs have found success in exploring toys, games, or activities that may help meet sensory interests of these children.  When selecting toys, games, or activities for children who may have unique sensory interests, clinicians may find that a child's interests increase tremendously once they are presented with a toy that helps to fulfill that sensory need.  Exploring toys that engage the senses (e.g., visual, tactile, gustatory, auditory, proprioceptive/vestibular) sometimes hold the key to unlocking an entire world of opportunities for growth and development through targeted, motivating intervention.  It is highly recommended that one consult with an Occupational Therapist (OT) that treats over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to sensory input to help determine what is most appropriate for the child being seen for therapy.  Collaboration with an OT can really make therapy easier for those you see with sensory needs or interests.     

we are all different

If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider. You can also find a provider through the ASHA ProFind service or visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information.  NOTE: This article is intended only as a general source of information, i.e, it is not intended for diagnosis, treatment, or to replace information given to you by a qualified health professional that is familiar with your particular circumstances. Lastly, if you have an urgent medical need, please seek immediate medical attention.