Is your child not communicating as much as other children their age? Do you find that they have difficulty communicating, or perhaps their speech isn’t clear? These are all potential signs of a speech delay. Though there are countless reasons a child may struggle with speech, one potential cause that’s frequently neglected is sensory issues.
At times, kids who have sound, touch, and movement sensitivity may struggle to concentrate on learning to communicate. Fortunately, Sensory Integration Therapy is able to enhance speech in a number of children.
In this blog post, we will discuss how sensory integration therapy works, the way it relates to speech delay, and how you can help your child as a parent.
What Is Sensory Integration Therapy? Understanding the Basics
Let’s begin with the basics. Sensory Integration is just a complicated way of saying “how our brain receives and interprets information from the senses”. Our senses are sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, movement, and body awareness.
For the majority of us, our brains automatically process and react to sensory input. For some children, and particularly children with sensory processing issues, the sensory integration process does not function smoothly.
These kids may experience extreme sound reactions, shun all forms of body contact (they may not like a mere touch), and may get dizzy from small amounts of motion. This can significantly disrupt involvement in normal day-to-day activities (even talking!).
Sensory Integration Therapy sounds like its name- a therapy that is designed to make a child more capable of processing and reacting to sensory input. Sensory Integration Therapy applies play-based, meaningful activities in order to actively challenge children’s senses in a secure and controlled way.
Who Needs Sensory Integration Therapy?
You might be wondering, “Does my child need this kind of therapy?” Here are a few signs that a child may advantage from sensory integration therapy:
- Overly sensitive to touch (for example, hates certain fabrics or being hugged)
- Avoids eye contact or seems unaware of people around them
- Trouble with balance (often trips or falls)
- Bothered by loud noises or covers ears frequently
- Seeks out movement (spins, jumps, or rocks a lot)
- Difficulty sitting still or focusing
Sensory integration therapy is commonly utilized for children with conditions like:
| Condition | Common Signs Related to Sensory Issues |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | Sensitivity to sound, touch, or light |
| ADHD | Trouble focusing, constant movement |
| Developmental Delays | Late milestones, including speech |
What Is Speech Delay?
When a child suffers from a speech delay, he/ she is not acquiring speech and language skills as required. This may include not speaking as much as other children, having trouble understanding the words they are saying, or finding it hard to construct sentence forms.
Signs of Speech Delay in Children
- Not saying single words by age 2
- Speech is unclear or hard to understand
- Trouble putting words together to make simple sentences
- Can understand what you say, but struggles to express themselves
It’s important to keep in mind that each child creates at their own pace. However, if you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional.
Why Speech May Be Affected by Sensory Issues
You might be asking yourself, “What does talking have to do with sensory processing?” To simplify it easily; If the child is sensitive to sound or touch, and gets easily overwhelmed, their brain has to work on how they feel about it. As a result, this detracts from the child having the energy to engage in paying attention to learning new words, or practicing speech.
The sensory input from experiences, like sounds, lighting, or feel, can overpower and divert the attention of the child, and so they may not listen, focus, or communicate. When the brain is impaired, this sets speech and language acquisition outside of schedule.
How Sensory Integration Therapy Supports Speech Development
So, how does sensory integration therapy actually help with speech delays? Let’s break it down:
Improving Body Awareness and Mouth Movements
Many speech sounds require exact developments of the lips, tongue, and jaw. Sensory play activities help children become more aware of their bodies, including their mouths. This can make it simpler for them to memorize how to create distinctive speech sounds.
Building Attention and Focus for Speech Learning
Calming sensory activities, like swinging or deep pressure, can help children feel more relaxed and focused. When a child is calm, they’re better able to pay attention during speech therapy sessions and learn new skills.
Reducing Anxiety or Sensory Overload
Therapy helps reduce anxiety by making sensory experiences more predictable and less scary. When children feel safe and less overwhelmed, they’re more willing to try new things, including speech exercises.
Helping with Social Skills and Communication
As children become more comfortable with their environment, they often become more willing to interact with others. This can lead to better social skills and more opportunities to practice speech.
Examples of Sensory Activities That Support Speech
Here are some common activities used in sensory integration therapy, along with how they can help with speech:
| Activity | How It Helps Speech |
| Swinging | Calms the body, improves focus |
| Deep Pressure (hugs, weighted blankets) | Reduces anxiety, increases body awareness |
| Oral-Motor Tools (chew toys, whistles) | Strengthens mouth muscles, improves speech sounds |
| Textured Toys | Helps with touch sensitivity, encourages exploration |
At-Home Ideas for Parents
You don’t need fancy equipment to support your child at home. Here are a few simple activities:
- Blowing bubbles: Extraordinary for strengthening mouth muscles and practicing breath control.
- Chew toys: Safe, textured toys can help children explore mouth movements.
- Brushing routine: Gently brushing the arms or legs with a soft brush can calm the body and prepare your child for learning.
How Sensoria CDC Uses Sensory Therapy to Help With Speech
At Sensoria CDC, we recognize that every child is unique. Combining speech therapy and sensory integration therapy allows us to develop personalized care plans for each child. Our trained team of therapists works hand-in-hand with families to gain insights into your child’s needs, wishes, and goals.
Whether your child experiences speech delays, sensory processing difficulties, or both, we will use a range of opportunities to ensure your child is successful through fun, evidence-based activities. Our centres are located in Thiruvalla and Pathanamthitta, and provide a range of services to support your child’s development.
When to Seek Help from a Therapist
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or notice signs of sensory issues, don’t wait. Early intervention can make a big difference. Here’s when to seek help:
- Your child isn’t talking by age 2
- Speech is very hard to understand
- Your child seems overly sensitive to sounds, touch, or movement
- They have trouble focusing or interacting with others
A trained therapist can assess your child and recommend the best course of action. Remember, you’re not alone, help is available, and many children make great progress with the right support.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to worry about speech delays, but understanding how sensory problems relate to speech can help you and your child find new ways to help facilitate communication. Sensory Integration Therapy provides a gentle and playful means to build all the skills needed in order for better communication. Please find a professional if your child could benefit from this type of support or please visit us at Sensoria CDC, together we will find your child’s voice.
If you have questions or want to know more about our services in Thiruvalla and Pathanamthitta, please reach out to Sensoria CDC today. We are here to help support your family every step of the way.
