Sensory Integration is the process by which sensory information is taken in through the brain and processed. It determines the output, reaction or behaviour. Sensory Integration begins in the womb with our sense of touch starting at just 7 and half weeks. When I was pregnant, I found out at 6 weeks and this was just before my little girl was starting to process sensory input. Crazy!
We have all been around and seen those mums who are really stressed and those mums who seem to totally have their life together haven’t we? Well let me tell you something, your babies temperament and personality is formed through two avenues:
From a sensory perspective, we believe that the way a person processes and responds to sensory information strongly influences his temperament, which in turn affects their personality. Personality is moulded by a person’s experience and upbringing. Therefore, your baby’s personality is a function of their ‘temperament’ and experiences of ‘nurture’.
What personality does your baby have?
From an OT and sensory perspective emphasis is on supporting parents to help their baby self-regulate. Sensory Integration is so important because it supports functional activities such as play, mood, sleep and feeding. That is why the most important factor I tell any parent is that learning to self-regulate can only occur within the context of a relationship. It is on a continuum of dependence to independence and it is our role to scaffold and grade this for our little baba’s. Once you have considered and thought about their personality we have to establish ways to support their sensory needs without getting over whelmed ourselves.
Let us know how you get on! On our facebook group Occupational Therapy Tips and Tricks or page Therapeeze facebook or email us, we would love to know!
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